Behistun Inscription

     For this next blog, we are going to be throwing it back to 500 B.C.E. while talking about a multilingual inscription left on the side of a limestone cliff some 300 feet above in western Iran. This sculpture and inscription is a monument that was commissioned by Darius the Great from the Persian Empire. The images depicted are mainly of Darius himself and a few of the accomplishments that he wanted to pat himself on the back for completing. In the scene, he is holding a bow, which is a symbol of rulership, as he is standing with one foot on the chest of a rebel whom he had defeated. To his right are nine slaves tied with their hands behind their back and a rope around their necks. Darius, selflessly, adds his two leading generals who have the privilege of carrying Darius's bow and lance. Lucky them. Besides the images are five chunks of inscriptions written in three different languages, that describe Darius's accomplishments during his first three years as a monarch. He also gifts the reader with an autobiography of himself. Darius begins his life story with, "I am Darius, the great king, king of kings, the king of Persia, the king of countries..." (Source 3.1). As the reader can note, Darius looked upon himself in a very high regard. He continues on to say how he acquired this righteousness and even gives some credit to Ahura Mazda, which was "the great benevolent Deity of Zoroastrianism" (Source 3.1). In regards to art, it is incredible that they were able to sculpt and inscribe such a detailed piece of work 300 feet up in the air. Well, that is all folks, catch you next blog.