Ahura Mazda and Ardashir I

Ahura Mazda and Ardashir I (TM 835284 ) is a relief depicting the first Sassanian king Ardashir I, who came to power defeating the Parthian empire, and the upper god Ahuramazda. The two actors are each identified by trilingual inscriptions on their horses, in Greek, Middle Persian, and Parthian. Its date of around AD 235 makes it probably the oldest Sassanian inscription. Although situated only 2 meters above the ground, the impressive relief of 6.5 by 2.5 meters is perfectly preserved in Naqsh-e Rostam (Iran).

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