The Second Relief of Shapur I

Shapur’s second relief in Tang-e Chogan has been depicted on a sheltered concave surface cliff on the left bank of the river. The surface measures 12.20 by 4.60 meters on which Shapur I is seen in profile wearing a crenelated crown topped with a big ball. The relief reflects a new formula for the representation of triumph: In the center, the mounted king -Shapur- receives the diadem, not from the god but from a putto, an obvious borrowing from Western iconography. Gordian is shown beneath the horse’s hooves and Philip kneeling, while Shapur grasps Valerian by the wrist. Tiers of horsemen flank this scene and above it a naked boy is hovering like a small winged angel carrying a half-crown for the king. In a well-known inscription called ‘Zoroaster’s Caaba’ Shapur claims:” near the borders of Asurestan in the city of messiah a huge battle flared up, Kaiser Gordianos was murdered and the Roman army dispersed…”  Despite the fact that the Roman influence is seen in the lively style of this relief, its overall format represents continuation of an old Near Eastern formula for depicting several events in a single composition.