Historical Aspects, Iconographical Factors, Numismatic Issues, Technical Elements: How to Obtain a Convincing Chronology for the Rock Reliefs of Ardashīr I?

Abstract

Five surviving rock reliefs are known in Iran from the reign of Ardashīr I, four of which are located in Persis/Fārs region. This paper aims to examine four different approaches which are so far used to date these reliefs, i.e. historical facts, iconographical and numismatic elements, and techniques of stoneworking, in order to respond the following question: How can we date the rock reliefs of Ardashīr more precisely and obtain a convincing chronology of them?