At the Naqsh-e Rostam necropolis in Iran, a monumental rock relief immortalizes one of the most dramatic moments in Roman-Persian history: Emperor Valerian’s capture and Emperor Philip the Arab’s submission to Sᴀssanian King Shapur I (r. 240–270 CE). This carving is not just art—it’s a propaganda masterpiece celebrating Persia’s greatest victory over Rome.
🎨 Scene Breakdown: The Rock Relief
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Shapur I: Towering on horseback, the Persian king wears his crown and armor, gripping Valerian’s wrist in a gesture of total dominance.
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Valerian: The captured Roman emperor stands beside Shapur’s horse, his hands bound, head bowed—the only Roman emperor ever taken prisoner in battle.
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Philip the Arab: Kneeling before Shapur, offering tribute (likely the 500,000 gold denarii ransom paid after Rome’s defeat at Misiche in 244 CE).
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Symbolism:
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Shapur’s horse tramples a fallen Roman soldier (possibly Emperor Gordian III, who died mysteriously during the same war).
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The size hierarchy (Shapur > Valerian > Philip) visually declares Persia’s supremacy.
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⚔️ Historical Context: Rome’s Worst Defeat
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Battle of Edessa (260 CE): Valerian’s entire army was annihilated or captured by Shapur’s forces.
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Aftermath:
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Valerian died in captivity—myths claim he was used as a footstool or skinned alive.
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Philip’s humiliation forced Rome into a shameful peace, paying Persia for decades.
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Sᴀssanian Boast: The relief is part of a series at Naqsh-e Rostam showing Shapur’s victories over three Roman emperors (Gordian III, Philip, Valerian).
🏛️ Why This Relief Matters
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Psychological Warfare: Carved along the Royal Road, it reminded travelers of Persia’s power.
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Unique Depiction: No other Roman emperor was ever portrayed so degraded in art.
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Legacy: Inspired later Persian kings to mimic Shapur’s pose in their own victory monuments.
📍 Visiting Naqsh-e Rostam
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Located near Persepolis, the site also hosts Achaemenid tombs (e.g., Darius I) and Zoroastrian fire altars.
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Fun Fact: A similar Shapur-Valerian scene exists at Bishapur, with more Roman soldiers groveling.
