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Ardashir Investiture Relief

Ardashir Investiture Relief is a Sasanian era rock relief at Naqsh-e Rostam in Fars province, Iran. Carved around 235, it is one of the oldest Sasanian rock reliefs and archaeology sites. The relief is located in the east corner of Naqsh-e Rostam, 2 meters above the ground, and measures 6.65 meters wide by 2.40 meters high. It is well-preserved and mostly unharmed. The scene shows Ardashir I receiving the kingship ring and seal from Ahura Mazda, who appoints him as Shahanshah of Ērānshahr. Ardashir’s horse tramples Artabanus V, while Ahura Mazda’s horse tramples the devil’s dead body.

Ardashir Investiture Relief showing two mounted figures facing each other with smaller figures behind them and forms beneath the horses.
The Ardashir Investiture Relief carved into the rock at Naqsh-e Rostam, with two mounted figures facing each other.
August 2015 © · CC BY 2.0
Ardashir Investiture Relief carved into a cliff face, showing two mounted figures facing each other and exchanging a ring.
The Ardashir Investiture Relief at Naqsh-e Rostam, carved into the rock face and depicting a mounted investiture scene.
December 2008 © · CC BY-SA 2.0
Ardashir Investiture Relief carved into a cliff, showing two mounted figures in a ceremonial exchange with smaller figures below.
The Ardashir Investiture Relief carved into the rock at Naqsh-e Rustam, with mounted figures and smaller figures below.
October 2017 © · CC BY-SA 4.0
Ardashir Investiture Relief carved into a cliff, with horsemen and smaller figures overlooking green hills and a pathway.
The Ardashir Investiture Relief carved into the cliff face, seen with the surrounding hills and landscape.
March 2015 © · CC BY-SA 4.0
Black-and-white line drawing of the Ardashir Investiture Relief showing two crowned horsemen facing each other and exchanging rings, with fallen figures beneath their horses and a smaller figure behind the left rider.
Ardashir Investiture Relief shown in a book illustration as two crowned horsemen facing each other and exchanging rings.
1812 © James Justinian Morier (1780 – 1849) · Public domain

Identification

TitleArdashir Investiture Relief
TypeSasanian-era rock relief
Alternative namesThe Inscription of Ardashir-e Babakan and Hormozd; Coronation of Ardashir-e Babakan

Historical context

Cultural contextSasanian Persia
DateCirca 235 CE
Historical significanceOne of the oldest Sasanian rock reliefs; appears to be the oldest inscription from the Sasanian period

Creator

Depicted subjectArdashir I's coronation ceremony

Discovery and provenance

Inscription languagesMiddle Persian, Parthian, and Greek
LocationNaqsh-e Rostam, Fars province, Iran
Position within siteEastern corner of Naqsh-e Rostam
Height above groundCarved 2 meters above the ground

Physical characteristics

Dimensions6.65 m wide; 2.40 m high
ConditionWell preserved, mostly unharmed, and nearly perfect condition
MaterialRock
Inscription length3 Middle Persian lines; 3 Parthian lines; 4 Greek lines

Appearance

CompositionArdashir I and Ahura Mazda are both on horseback, facing each other
Figures depictedArdashir I; Ahura Mazda (or Hormozd); high priest Kartir; Artabanus IV; the devil's dead body

Iconography and meaning

Artabanus tramplingArdashir's horse is trampling Artabanus IV, the last king of the Parthian Empire
Devil tramplingAhura Mazda's horse is trampling the corpse of the devil
Kartir's placementThe man behind Ardashir I on the left side of the relief
Depicted eventArdashir I receives the kingship ring or signet from Ahura Mazda (or Hormozd), who appoints him Shahanshah of Ērānshahr / the Sasanian Empire
Inscription above Ahura MazdaThree small inscriptions in Middle Persian, Parthian, and Greek: "This is the figure of Ahura Mazda (bagh)"
Inscription on Ardashir's horse"This is the figure of the Mazda-worshipper, the lord Ardashir, Shahanshah of Iran, whose lineage is from the gods, the son of lord Papak, the king"
Inscription on Ahura Mazda's horseMiddle Persian: "This is the figure of the god Ahura Mazda"; Greek: "This is the figure of the god Zeus"

History and restoration

Condition noteThe relief is well preserved and mostly unharmed