Saed News: One of the most important historical legacies of Iran is the curse of the ancient Persian king. This rock relief in the city of Sarpol-e Zahab is a symbol of the victory and elevation of ancient kings over the cultural and artistic fabric of this land.
According to the Saed News Society Service, quoting Beytooteh, the Anubanini rock relief, which dates back about 4,000 years and remains carved into a rock in the city of Sarpol-e Zahab, is considered one of the most important historical legacies of Iran. This relief, accompanied by inscriptions from the Lullubi tribes, offers a glimpse into life in the mountainous western regions of ancient Iran.
The victorious King Anubanini is depicted with a long beard, wearing a hat, and holding weapons, portrayed as an ancient indigenous king ruling over the land inhabited by the Lullubi tribes.
Facing this relief, there are other remains from the Lullubi tribes, including a rock carving of Naram-Sin, king of the Akkadian Empire in Iraq, who is shown capturing them as prisoners. However, the most significant surviving artifact from this tribe is the Anubanini relief.
In these artworks, the victorious king is depicted alongside an ancient goddess named Ishtar. Ishtar, an important deity in the Mesopotamian region, symbolized blessing and victory for the Akkadians and Assyrians, and before them, she was known as Inanna among the Sumerians, as the goddess of war and fertility.
This relief holds special historical significance because it is the earliest remaining rock carving from Iran’s history that depicts the story of a king’s victory over captives. In the image, King Anubanini places his foot on the stomach of one captive, while six other bound captives lie beneath him. One of these captives wears a different kind of hat, possibly indicating a particular tribe.
The goddess Ishtar is shown holding two kneeling captives in her right hand and presenting a ring to the king with her left hand. In ancient beliefs, this ring symbolizes dominion over time.
Also present as a witness to the scene is Shamash, the sun god and deity of justice. Below Ishtar’s feet is an Akkadian inscription explaining:
“Anubanini, the mighty king of the Lullubi, carved his own image and that of the goddess Ishtar on Mount Patir, and whoever erases this tablet shall be cursed and afflicted by Anu, Anutum, Baal, Belit, Raman, Ishtar, Sin, and Shamash, and his lineage shall perish.”
Anubanini’s relief has stood on a mountain in Sarpol-e Zahab for many years and, according to researchers, inspired Darius the Great of the Achaemenid dynasty in the carving of the Behistun Inscription. This relief is a symbol of ancient Iranian history that, although gradually fading over time, remains a masterpiece of great artistic and historical value.
What role has the curse of the ancient Persian king played in the history of this country?
The curse of the ancient Persian king symbolizes victory and rulership about 4,000 years ago. This artistic masterpiece on the rock in Sarpol-e Zahab depicts the king’s victory in war and the capture of prisoners.
What role did the Lullubi tribes play in ancient Iranian history?
The Lullubi tribes lived in the mountainous areas of western Iran in ancient times, especially parts of Kermanshah, Kurdistan, and West Azerbaijan. The curse relief narrates their victory over their enemies.
What cultural importance did the story of the ancient king’s curse hold for the ancient people of Iran?
Besides symbolizing victory and rulership, the story of the ancient king’s curse played a role in strengthening the faith and beliefs of the people and had cultural and religious significance. Such reliefs reinforced the identity and history of the ancient community.
Did the curse of the ancient Persian king influence ancient art and architecture in the region?
Yes, the curse relief had a significant impact on the art and architecture of the region. These works are among the most important examples of rock relief art in ancient Iran, and their influence is visible in other artistic styles as well.
Exploring the story of the ancient Persian king’s curse takes us on a journey through time, revealing the grandeur and glory of this land’s culture and civilization. This remaining rock relief in Sarpol-e Zahab reminds us of Iran’s ancient heritage and reflects a time when kings, through their will and artistry, left proud marks on history. Viewing the past with this perspective deepens our understanding of today’s culture and identity.
