The relief of Ardashir Babakan's victory over Ardavan V of Parthia is one of the most prominent historical monuments related to the beginning of the Sasanian rule, located in the Rajab relief, near Persepolis (Fars Province). This relief depicts a scene of the battle and victory of Ardashir Babakan, the founder of the Sasanian dynasty, over the last Parthian king, Ardavan V. In this work, Ardashir is riding a horse and attacking Ardavan; while Ardavan is also riding, holding a sword, but in a position of defeat. In the same image, Ahura Mazda also gives Ardashir a royal crown, which is a symbol of the divine legitimacy of his rule.
This relief is not only an outstanding work of art from the Sasanian period, but also a visual document of the transfer of power from the Parthians to the Sasanians and emphasizes the heavenly support of the new monarchy. Visual elements such as military attire, decorated horses, and ritual symbols represent the splendor and power of the Sasanian monarchy and the outstanding art of stone carving of that period. This painting, along with other works such as Naqsh-e Rajab and Naqsh-e Rustam, forms part of the Sasanian pictorial heritage that well narrates the political and cultural transformation of that era.
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