File:Naqsh-e Rajab I (3267728994).jpg

The rock relief said Shapur Ist’s horse parade at Naqsh-e Rajab, also known as “Naqsh-e Rajab I” is with its counterpart, Naqsh-e Rajab IV, carved on the opposed rock , one of the 2 very first rock relief attributed to Sasanian king Shapur Ist, son of Ardashir Ist who founded the sasanian dynasty.

The scene shows a royal parade leaded by the king riding a horse, followed by 9 characters. The posture of the horse clearly evokes the slow cadenced rythme of a parade. The king wears his typical crown witch can also be seen on his reliefs at Naqsh-e Rostam and Bishapour. Behind the king, come the 9 characters represented in different ways. At the front plan, 3 men are completely represented, hands laying on the top of their sword nailed on the ground in a typically sasanian fashion contrasting with the old previous Parthian fashion (the partian reliefs usually shown swords holded by the handle while attached to the hips by a belt). Their hats still show some symbols testifying of their noble rank. At the back plan, 4 other characters of minor dimensions, one wearing no hat are seen almost hidden by the first plan characters, creating a perspective effect. Ending the parade, the busts of 2 last unbearded can be seen, probably being clergymen. The disposition of the characters from the end of the scene to the king is increasing from down to up, following the rock’s form, and pushing high the impression of movement forward given by the parade. A trilingual inscription is attached to the relief, the last written in greek in Iran.

The choice of this rock and disposition by Shapur was probably intended to pay a tribute to his father Ardashir, as the parade seem to walk until Ardashir’s relief of Naqsh-e Rajab III.

a few meters away.