Bishapur
Location
About
An ancient Sassanid city in the Zagros foothills of southwestern Iran, Bishapur (City of Shapur) was built by the great Sassanid king Shapur I around 266 CE following his stunning military victories over three Roman emperors. The city contains remarkable triumphal rock reliefs carved into a gorge wall, Roman-style mosaic floors installed by captured Roman craftsmen, and the Cave of Shapur containing a giant statue of Shapur I.
Significance
Bishapur is the supreme monument to Sassanid Persian power at its zenith. The reliefs at Bishapur show Shapur I receiving the submission of three Roman emperors — Philip the Arab (who paid ransom), Valerian (captured in battle), and Gordian III (killed in battle) — a claim to Roman imperial conquest unmatched in the ancient world. The cave statue of Shapur I, at 7 meters tall, is one of the largest ancient free-standing statues in the Middle East.
History & Historical Arc
Shapur I (241-272 CE) built Bishapur after defeating Roman Emperor Gordian III at the Battle of Misiche (244 CE) and cap…
Archaeological Notes
French excavations (1935-1941) and subsequent Iranian work revealed the Anahita temple with its unusual water-fed plan, …
Key Features & Structures
- Six Sassanid rock reliefs (Shapur gorge)
- Cave of Shapur (7m statue)
Visitor Information
Near Kazerun, Fars Province, Iran. Open daily. The cave statue is a separate excursion requiring some climbing.
Related Figures
In the Bible
Source References
- Shapur I, Ka'ba-ye Zartosht inscription
- Ammianus Marcellinus 25.9