Naqsh-i-Rustam, c. 3 miles from Persepolis, Tomb of Darius the Great (6th-5th century BC)
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Huot, Jean-Louis
Photographer: Arthur Llewellyn Basham
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Below it is Sassanian rock relief, of equestrian battle of Bahram II (?) see later. This is one of a row of niches hewn in the rock in the form of Greek crosses as Achaemenid tombs, at this site which was already sacred in Elamite times. 73 ft. high, this tomb is evidence of the desire to associate Ahura Mazda, god of gods, with the King of Kings. Armed with a bow, Darius faces fire altar, invoking Ahura Mazda, who floats in mid-air, followed by a crescent within a disk, perhaps a symbol of Mithras. On either side are members of retinue, including Gobryas, the bearer of his spear, and Aspachira, the bearer of his battle-axe.
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Archives Series
Date created
1965
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This image is provided for research purposes only and must not be reproduced without the prior permission of the Archives Program, Australian National University.
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