Behistun Inscription in Kermanshah - HiPersia [Updated: Dec, 2024]

Behistun Inscription

There is one of the most valuable historical inscriptions in Iran located on the slopes of sacred mount of Behistun in Kermanshah. This inscription belongs to Darius the Great, the powerful Achaemenid king.

Behistun World Heritage Site is one of the most important and valuable archaeological sites in Iran and even in the world. This archaeological site is located in eastern parts of Kermanshah province, with the area of 15 kilometers. Behistun World Heritage Site is one of the top historical landmarks in the world that listed in UNESCO's World Heritage List in 2005.

There are over 20 valuable monuments from the pre-Islamic period to the Islamic era inside this world heritage site. Behistun Inscription, Statue of Hercules, Farhad Tarash, Incomplete Sassanid Palace, Safavid Caravansary and Bisitun Cave are the most remarkable monuments of this archaeological site. Perhaps the reason for the accumulation of so many monuments from various historical periods in one place is the high sanctity that Mount Behistun has had among our ancestors for many years.

Behistun Inscription:

Behistun Inscription is one of the most authentic historical documents in the world. This inscription narrates the story of Darius the Great's victory over Gaumata magus. Geumat was the name of a Magi (Zoroastrian clergyman) who according to the Behistun Inscription, pretended to be the son of Cyrus the Great, Bardia (Smerdis) and rebelled against the Achaemenid empire.

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The bas-relief of Darius the Great was carved at the height of 100 meters above the ground on the rocks of Mount Behistun. This inscription is two meters long and two and a half meters wide. In the vicinity of this inscription, the bas-relief of Darius the Great was carved at the height of 1.5 meters. In this bas-relief, Darius the Great dress in magnificent Persian dress and has a crown. He puts his left foot on the chest of the Geumat Magus for signifying his power and authority, while the Geomat is begging. Nine captives are bound by ropes in front of Darius the Great as well. These captives are those who falsely called themselves as the King after the death of Bardia and staged a rebellion.

At the top of this inscription and bas-relief, the bas-relief of Ahura Mazda, the creator and highest deity of Zoroastrianism, can be seen. This bas-relief shows the great monotheism of Darius the Great.

Why was the Behistun Inscription created?

According to Behistun's writings, people rebel after fake Berdia's death. Darius succeeded in suppressing the rebellion and retaking the empire within a year and a few months. Darius the Great intended to tell the world about the difficulties he had on the way of taking back the power from enemies. For this purpose, he ordered to carve an inscription on Mount Behistun that future people would be made aware of the king's hardships and courage.

The method of carving this inscription

This relief and its inscription were carved on the south slope of Mount Behistun. Near the inscription, there are staircase traces that appear to have been used by the workers to climb up and reach the site. Of course, after the work was completed, the workers destroyed the staircase that no one could reach the inscription.

Reliefs and inscriptions on the historic site of Behistun

Inside and around the Behistun site, there are reliefs, inscriptions, and sculptures that we will introduce to you the most important of them.

Mehrdad II Relief: Just below the relief and Darius I inscription, you will find a 6.73-meter-long and 3.48-meter-wide relief called Mehrdad II. Mehrdad II is one of the powerful kings of the Parthians. The carving of this relief dates back to about 100 BC. You can see Mehrdad II and the four governors of that time in order of importance and their position in this relief. There is also an inscription on this relief, which is the introduction of those people in it. This inscription is in the Greek language. Unfortunately, in the twelfth century AH, a part of Mehrdad II's relief was destroyed due to the creation of the inscription of Shaykh Ali Khan Zanganeh, the chancellor of King Suleiman Safavid.

Goudarz II Relief: On the eastern side of the relief of Mehrdad II on the same rock, there is a relief of 5.44 meters length and 1.3 meters wide that belongs to the Parthian period. This relief shows the victory of Goudarz II over Mehrdad. In this relief, you can see three armored warriors. The king is also see in the middle of the picture. The king has a large spear in his hands, which he attacks his rival, Mehrdad. Mehrdad fell from the horse in the attack. This relief has an inscription in the Greek language.
Vologases's relief: After 400 meters far from the Gudgers II Rescue, we find an irregular rectangle 2.5 meters high. On the three sides of this rock, carved patterns can be seen. In its middle patterns, you can see the Vologases of the Parthian King. There is an inscription on this relief, in 9 lines with the Parthian script. Of course, the end of this inscription has disappeared during the time.
Statue of Hercules in Behistun: The enormous statue of Hercules is carved from the rocks of Mount Behistun. This statue was built in the late Seleucid period. Hercules is a Greek myth and symbolizes power, masculinity, and courage, and has superhuman strength and power.

Farhad Tarash: To the west of Darius relief and on the slope of Mount Behistun, there is an enormous wall carved called Farhad Tarash. The wall of this relief is about 200 meters long and 36 meters wide. Scholars are not sure when this monument was built.

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Shah Abbasi Caravansary

This caravansary was built on the Kermanshah-Hamedan old road and opposite Farhad trash. This caravansary is based on the Safavid caravansaries. According to the inscription on the head of the building, Shaykh Ali Khan Zanganeh completed the construction during the reign of King Suleiman Safavid. Today, this caravansary has become a five-star hotel.

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Headwater of Behistun

In the past, the headwater of Behistun (Sarab Behistun) was one of the most significant residences used by several convoys when crossing this area. This headwater and the surrounding environmental and natural conditions have been one of the main reasons why humans remained in this land from the Paleolithic to the present. One branch of this water flows into the Shah Abbasi Caravansary, and the main branch flows into the Gamasiab River, also known as the Sohrab Creek.

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In the site of Behistun you can visit caves, bridges, and other monuments:
- Caves: Bisitun Cave, Kher Cave, Mar Tarik Cave, Mar Aftab Cave, and Mar Dodar Cave.
- Bridges: Khosro Bridge and Behistun Bridge.
- Fortress and castles: Medes Fortress and Sarmaj castle.
- other monuments: Sassanid carved stones, Medes sanctuary, Parthia temple, the remains of a Parthia ancient city, Tappeh-ye Naderi, Ilkhanate caravansary, Sasanian building, Royal Road, and Bornaj Catacombs.

What is the best time to go?
The best time to travel to Kermanshah is from early June to early September. It is best not to travel in winter because Kermanshah has very cold winters. The busiest time to travel to Kermanshah is naturally late spring and summer. So this time, Kermanshah has a pleasant climate, and the surrounding nature reaches its beauty peak.