Behistun Inscription
Facts and practical information
The Behistun Inscription is a monumental archaeological site located in western Iran, bearing silent testimony to the ancient history and languages of the Achaemenid Empire. Etched into a limestone cliff at a considerable height of approximately 100 meters, this inscription dates back to the 5th century BCE, during the reign of King Darius I.
The inscription is a trilingual cuneiform script, comprising three different language versions: Old Persian, Elamite, and Babylonian (a dialect of Akkadian). It was intended to proclaim the power and achievements of Darius I after he quelled various uprisings and established his rule over the empire. This ancient billboard covers an area of about 15 meters by 25 meters, making it one of the largest inscriptions from the ancient world.
The Behistun Inscription is often likened to the Rosetta Stone due to its crucial role in deciphering cuneiform scripts. The successful translation of the text by Henry Rawlinson in the 19th century marked a breakthrough in the understanding of this writing system and, by extension, the history of the Middle East.
Kermanshah
Kermanshah