Sasanian Persian Art

Written and Researched by Matthew Brown

The Sasanian dynasty (224-651 AD) was forged under Ardashir I (r. 224-241 AD) after he defeated the nomadic people of the Parthian empire, who ruled the region of modern-day Iran. This conquest sparked an ever-expanding empire which revitalized ancient Persian culture, first established by the Achaemenid dynasty, by reinstating Zoroastrianism as their main religion. One of the most powerful rulers of the Sasanian dynasty was Shapur I (r. 241-272 AD), who strengthened the empire through its economy, political organization and military might. The architectural structures which they created were unmatched by anything Iran had ever seen before, such as archeological remains of Bishapur. Engaged in a constant struggle against the Roman Empire to their West, the Sasanian Empire also found themselves pitted against a number of enemies such as the Huns to the East, the Turks to the North, and later the Islamic Empire to the South. The Sasanian dynasty, as well as Persian culture, was decisively ended with the dramatic and unforeseen invasion of Islamic forces, which ultimately led to their demise.

Fowlkes-Childs, Blair. “The Sasanian Empire (224–651 A.D.).” Metmuseum.org, Oct. 2003, www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/sass/hd_sass.htm.

This article, published by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, gives a thorough historical overview of the Sasanian Empire, while also expanding upon some of the art that this civilization produced. The site considers many aspects of artistic production which were central to the culture and stability of the Sasanian culture, divided between royal splendor and everyday common items. It analyzes many themes present throughout the culture itself, such as the standardized image of rulers subsequent to Shapur I. While featuring the many of the museum’s own collections from this empire, it provides a glimpse into the rich culture and variety of artistic products that were produced which gave this civilization its prominence and strong reputation within its Persian identity.

Canepa, Matthew P. The Two Eyes of the Earth: Art and Ritual of Kingship between Rome and Sasanian Iran. Vol. 45. Univ of California Press, 2017.

This book explores the impact of the Sasanian dynasty on a more global scale, by relating its power and influence between the expansive Roman Empire, through its art and history. Though their cultures may often be misconstrued as being entirely different, this book argues that they had many of the same shared beliefs in their effort for universal conquest, including their systems of belief and ritual. This cross-cultural examination is able to create a perspective on the time period in which these two competing empires existed, by explaining their resemblance to one another in their political relationships and national administration.

Similar scenes to those on Sasanian silver vessels are also depicted in stone relief sculptures. They create accounts of Sasanian rulers by embellishing their power and influence. After the reign of Shapur I, many rulers are often depicted in a similar style, with many of the same features such as long flowing hair. Many of these scenes also place the figures in the context of a greater geopolitical struggle, often their conflict with the Roman Empire. Though they document real events and figures the context in which they are depicted heralds the perfection and potential of the rulers themselves, legitimizing the Persian empire. Only one known Sasanian sculptural carving in the round has been discovered to date, which is within Shapur Cave in the Zagros Mountains, as they are more often relief carving on natural stone walls. These carvings were created in an effort to establish the Sasanian dynasty within the greater Persian Empire, in comparison to its geopolitical position, as well as through their Zoroastrian religion.

Herrmann, Georgina, and Vesta S. Curtis. "Sasanian rock reliefs." Encyclopaedia Iranica (2002).

This article outlines the implication and importance of Sasanian relief carvings as a means of both artistic production for this culture but also some of the few remaining historical records created from this particular civilization, which survives today. Such carvings were also believed to immortalize kingship of Sasanian rulers while creating visual narratives which strengthened their rule and legitimized their culture as a whole. The author presents a series of Sasanian stone relief examples found throughout Iran, such as the Great Victory Relief at Naqsh-e Rostam and the Great Grotto at Tâq-e Bostân, which presents their interest in recording authority. Such carvings also record the evolution of the empire’s dominance and control of their empire, centralizing their authority within their religion across other cultures.

The uncovered archeological sites, believed to have pertained to the Sasanian dynasty, echo the advancements the empire has imposed on its infrastructure. Most notably, the ruins of the once Sasanian city of Bishapur are perhaps some of the most stunning and best preserved, as it includes a temple that was believed to have been dedicated to the goddess Anahita. Archeologists also uncovered the remains of the Qal'eh Dokhtar fortress or castle, that was dedicated to the same Persian goddess. Nearby to Qal'eh Dokhtar is the Ardashir Palace, which displays a prime example of Sasanian dome architecture. Furthermore, the archeological sites at Sarvestan include a Sasanian palace, though the function of the structure itself remains largely obscured. Such examples of Sasanian architecture herald to the achievements the empire made in building projects. Their massive size and complex designs speak to the skill and brute strength which the Sasanian dynasty could exercise to legitimize their power as a major political and artistic force within its age.

“Sassanid Archaeological Landscape of Fars Region.” UNESCO World Heritage Centre, 2020, whc.unesco.org/en/list/1568.

Published by the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, this site highlights some of the major archeological Sasanian sites in Iran, which they hope to maintain. The organization explains the significance of these sites for maintaining historical and cultural integrity for the country of Iran as a whole. The sheer remains of these structures, after nearly two millenniums after their construction, greatly impress the importance and influence which this ancient culture provided.

Sarfaraz, Ali Akbar, and Mahmoud Teimoury. "Describing the spatial organization of Bishapur City." QJ Econ 1.1 (2013): 11-20.

This article gives a thorough analysis into a prominent archeological site within the Sasanian dynasty, as it remains one of the few which survive today. It was believed to be commissioned by Shapur I and contains monumental architecture that would have legitimized his rule and the Sasanian dynasty as a whole, within Persian culture. The methodological layout of the city itself is believed by scholars and archeologists to have planned the organization of its residents between classes, while maintaining boundaries against their enemies. The use and placement of different components such as religious shrines and political institutions, which were subsequently able to create different subsystems of social life, represent high levels of architectural thought which could be considered achievements for their time.