The Immortal Land

Item No. I-9

The Surrender of Valerian

This relief is carved near the tomb of King Darius. It commemorates the victory of Shapur I over the Roman legions. The defeated emperors are shown offering their submission to the conqueror.  Here, Philip The Arab kneels, while Valerian I stands with raised arms and is held by Shapur, who had taken him prisoner after the Battle of Edessa. Similar scenes are depicted in rock reliefs at Darab and the city of Shapur. There is a lengthy inscription in Pahlavi at this site, giving the name and titles of Shapur, an account of his battles, and a recording of his efforts to support the Zoroastrian creed.