Naqsh-e Rajab

Naqsh-e Rajab is an archaeological site just west of Istakhr and about 5 km north of Persepolis in Fars Province, Iran.

Together with Naqsh-e Rustam, which lies 2.5 km away, the site is part of the Marvdasht cultural complex. Together, the two sites are a tentative candidate for UNESCO World Heritage status.Naqsh-e Rajab is the site of four limestone rockface inscriptions and rock-cut bas-reliefs that date to the early Sassanid era. One of the carvings is the investiture inscription of Ardeshir I, the founder of the dynasty. The second investiture inscription is Ardeshir's successor, Shapur I. A third bas-relief, known as 'Shapur's Parade' celebrates the king's military victory in 244 over the Roman emperor Philip the Arab. A fourth bas-relief and inscription is attributed to Kartir, high priest under Shapur I and his sons Hormizd I and Bahram I.