Discover Darius I’s Fascinating Trilingual Inscription: A Must-See at Persepolis!
Visitors to Persepolis will soon have the opportunity to admire the magnificent inscription of the Achaemenid King Darius I by Nowruz 1405 (March 2026). This trilingual rack-carved relief is currently undergoing restoration, according to local authorities. Mojtaba Doroodi, the manager of the Persepolis Museum and an expert in ancient Iranian languages, shared insights on this significant artifact.
The inscription, located to the south of Darius I’s throne, is among the earliest inscriptions from the reign of Darius the Great. This remarkable piece of history features text in three languages, highlighting the Achaemenid Empire’s cultural diversity.
According to Doroodi, the inscription comprises:
- Two columns in ancient Persian
- One column in Elamite
- One column in Babylonian
Focusing on the content of the first column, referred to as DPD, which stands for ‘Darius, Persepolis, number D’, Doroodi explained, “This column begins with the name Ahura Mazda. Darius introduces himself and concludes with a prayer that states: ‘May drought, enemies, and lies not come to this country.’”
He further elaborated, “This expression of hope by Darius indicates that our land faced drought challenges during the Achaemenid era. It highlights the meticulous management of water resources, including canals, dams, and bunds, such as the ancient Doroodzan Dam dating back to Darius’s reign.”
The second column of the inscription is equally fascinating. Doroodi stated, “In this column, Darius not only introduces himself but also mentions the various tribes and nationalities under Achaemenid rule, including the Greeks, Egyptians, and all other groups he governed.”
He emphasized Darius’s advice to future rulers, suggesting, “If they wish to avoid harm, they must align with the will of the Persian people. Securing the support of the Persian populace ensures the protection of their country.”
Discussing the historical context of the inscription, Doroodi noted, “It appears this text was inscribed while Darius was completing his collection of works, as the southern wall of the Achaemenid period was later altered during Xerxes’s time.” He also remarked that the inscription was created alongside the construction of Takht-e Jamshid.
Shahram Rahbar, a senior expert in the restoration of historical monuments, announced the commencement of the restoration project for one of the largest inscriptions in Persepolis. “Our work involves studies, consolidation, and restoration, conducted by experts in ancient calligraphy and languages, employing the latest materials and techniques,” he stated.
Rahbar highlighted the fortunate condition of the inscription, noting, “This inscription is one of the largest in Persepolis and has, thankfully, remained undamaged by human activity until the restoration began.”
Over the past few years, photogrammetric studies and scientific research have been carried out, leading to various conservation and restoration efforts. Rahbar outlined the three main areas of focus for the restoration:
- Strengthening the back of the inscription to prevent the risk of collapse or movement due to earthquakes.
- Designing and implementing a protective canopy to shield the inscription from environmental factors.
- Directly restoring the inscription stone itself to preserve its integrity and visibility.
This restoration project not only underscores the importance of preserving historical artifacts but also highlights the rich cultural heritage of the Achaemenid Empire. As the restoration progresses, visitors to Persepolis will soon be able to experience the grandeur of Darius I’s inscription firsthand.
In conclusion, the ongoing efforts to restore the inscription of Darius I at Persepolis reflect a commitment to maintaining the historical significance of this site. As we approach Nowruz 1405, anticipation grows for the unveiling of this ancient treasure, which will offer insights into the past and the legacy of one of history’s great empires.
