Naqsh-e Rustam

Naqsh-e Rustam is an ancient archaeological necropolis that houses the remains of prominent Achaemenid kings. The massive rock-cut tombs carved directly into a cliff face include the final resting places of Darius I, Xerxes I, Artaxerxes I, and Darius II. The site is located just northwest of the ancient city of Persepolis.

Naqsh-e Rustam is located in Iran's Fars Province, just a few kilometers northwest of the ruins of Persepolis. The necropolis sits directly across the river from the ancient Achaemenid capital. It served as the royal burial ground for the Persian Empire.

The Ka'ba-ye Zartosht (Cube of Zoroaster) is a prominent, tower-like stone structure standing directly in front of the cliff tombs at Naqsh-e Rustam. It is an Achaemenid-era building whose exact function remains debated, with theories ranging from a fire temple to a royal tomb. It features a blind window design and stands on a three-stepped base.

Yes, while the site is famous for its Achaemenid tombs, it also contains significant rock reliefs from the later Sassanid Empire. Kings like Shapur I carved massive victory monuments directly beneath the older Persian tombs. One famous relief depicts the defeat of the Roman Emperor Valerian by Shapur I in 260 CE.