Naqsh Rostam: a picture of Iran’s history on the top of the mountain
Naqsh Rostam, a collection of petroglyphs and tombs of Achaemenid kings, is located in the north of Astrak city and 12 kilometers northwest of Persepolis. This historical place, which is also known as “open-air museum”, has become one of the most important tourist attractions in Iran due to its antiquity, grandeur and beauty.
History:
Achaemenid period: Naqsh Rostam dates back to the Achaemenid period and is the burial place of four kings of this dynasty, including Darius the Great, Xerxes, Ardashir I and Darius II.
Petroglyphs: In addition to tombs, Naqsh Rostam also includes numerous petroglyphs depicting scenes of wars, victories, and Achaemenid customs.
Post-Achaemenian era: In the post-Achaemenian era, Naqsh Rostam was also used as a place for paintings and inscriptions. For example, the Sassanian petroglyph of Shapur I, who is victorious over the Roman emperor Valerian, can be seen here.
Architecture and decorations:
Tombs: Achaemenid tombs are carved in the heart of the mountain and decorated with motifs and decorations.
Petroglyphs: The petroglyphs of Naghse Rostam are carved with great delicacy and precision and show fine and delicate details of the clothes, weapons and equipment of that period.
Inscriptions: The inscriptions in Naqsh Rostam are written in ancient Persian, Elamite and Babylonian languages and provide valuable information about the history and culture of the Achaemenids.
Importance and position:
World Heritage: As one of the most important ancient works of Iran, Naqsh Rostam was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.
Historical source: As a valuable source for Achaemenid history, Naqsh Rostam is of interest to historians and archaeologists all over the world.
Symbol of national identity: Naqsh Rostam as a symbol of Iran’s national identity and history is of great importance to Iranians.
