Bishapur

29.77777777777851.570833333333Koordinaten: 29 ° 46 ' 40 "N, 51 ° 34' 15" E

Bischapur (city of Shapur ) was a Sassanid city of residence. It is located in Fars province, 23 km (to the west ) north of the modern Kazerun (Iran) on a street of Persis to Elam, which in turn joined with Istachr Ctesiphon.

The place was already inhabited in elamitischer and Parthian period, but was re-established after an inscription in the year 266 by Shapur I.. The city received after Hippodamian principle a rectangular plan with a checkered map. It is believed that this goes back to Roman prisoners of the Battle of Edessa, which were used in the construction of the city.

The remains of Bischapur today consist of three complexes. There is the actual city, there is a fortress and there is not far to the eastern side valley on the southern cliffs six rock reliefs celebrating especially Shapur I. but other rulers. H.H. of the East believed that these reliefs in the Hellenistic style Iranian contents embody, which also indicate trapped Roman masons. At some distance run in the same valley to the east, high above the valley in the northern mountain range there is also a cave with an eight-meter high statue of Shapur I. This was perhaps the grave monument of the ruler.

The city proper has been explored only to a small extent. Above all, the ruins of the palace still stand up to a considerable level. Center of the complex was a cross-shaped plant, which was probably made a yard and four Ivan ( reconstructed by the excavators as domed hall, but this does not seem possible for static reasons ). This is the throne room of the palace, in whose walls were niches which once contained statues certainly the ruler. The whole palace was decorated with mosaics, which stylistically ( unique) Hellenistic influence ( are ) show and were probably also designed and created by Roman prisoners.

The rock reliefs

• The first relief is dedicated to the investiture of Shapur I.. The relief is not well preserved. It shows two opposing rider. Ahuramazda handed over to the rulers of the ring of power.
• The second relief celebrating the victory of Shapur I over the Romans. The Roman Emperor kneeling before the rulers. Gordian III. is killed at the Horse of the ruler. Valerian, who was captured by the ruler will appear next to it and is held by Shapur I.. The scene is flanked by high Sassanid officials.
• A third relief also celebrates the victory of Shapur I. over various enemies. Philip the Arab and Valerian are shown. There appear elephants, suggesting a victory over the Kushan.
• The fourth relief comes from Bahram I ( 273-276 ) and shows a delegation of Arabs.
• The fifth relief showing the investiture of Bahram I.
• The last relief comes from Shapur II ( 309-379 ) and shows the suppression of a revolt. The ruler is shown frontally in the center, as he sits on a throne. It courtiers come to him and finally prisoners.