The inscription on the Behistun Rock
- The Behistun inscription of Darius I
- The text of the Behistun inscription
- Decoding of the Behistun inscription
- The text of the Behistun inscription in English and comments on it
The Behistun inscription of Darius I
The Behistun inscription was engraved in the 6th century BC in Elamite, Ancient Persian, and Akkadian. The cuneiform texts recount the achievements of Darius I in his struggle against the rebels, accomplished with the divine assistance of Ahura Mazda (Ormuzd).
The Behistun Rock, bearing the inscription of Darius I, is situated in the heart of the Zagros mountain range, which extends from the northwest to the southeast, reaching the Persian Gulf coast. Pathways through the Zagros range connected Pasargadae, the capital of the Persian Empire, with Mesopotamia.
The Behistun inscription is positioned at an altitude of 105 metres, allowing it to be visible from a considerable distance while also ensuring its preservation for nearly 2,500 years. The inscription measures 7 metres in height and 22 metres in width.
The text of the Behistun inscription
The Behistun inscription, carved into a cliffside in three languages, reflects the vast expanse of Persia, the multicultural nature of the empire, and the active interaction among its diverse peoples. The text comprises declarations by Darius regarding his military victories, political achievements, and the size and strength of the state.
The bas-reliefs of the Behistun inscription above depict the Faravahar, a symbol of the Zoroastrian religion. The Faravahar's outstretched hand towards Darius signifies the divine blessing of his rule. Darius is shown trampling the defeated "mara Gaumata," who had usurped power, along with the rebels — nine figures standing before the Persian king. Behind the king are the figures of an archer and a spearman. Inscriptions in three languages — Akkadian, Ancient Persian, and Elamite — are carved along the edges of this image. There are four inscriptions in total, with the Elamite text duplicated due to the partial erasure of its original version.
Decoding of the Behistun inscription
The translation of the Behistun inscription was accomplished through the dedication and hard work of British officer Henry Rawlinson, who served in the East India Company and was assigned to Persia to train the Shah's troops. Between 1837 and 1844, Rawlinson repeatedly climbed to a height of over 100 metres, risking his life to copy the cuneiform text. After being appointed British consul in Baghdad, Rawlinson began deciphering the inscription. He later sent his research to England, which included translations into Latin and English, along with the transcription and transliteration of certain words.
Henry Rawlinson was not the first to decipher the ancient Persian language. As early as 1802, Georg Grotefend, a philologist and secondary school teacher, identified the names of Persian kings in an inscription at the entrance to Xerxes' palace in Persepolis. However, Grotefend's work was not formally recognised, as he lacked an academic degree. Despite this, his research captured the interest of many scholars and professors.
The text of the Behistun inscription in English and comments on it
The text of the Behistun inscription, rendered in English as a poetic translation, highlights the grandeur of the Persian Empire and the accomplishments of Darius I.
- "I am Darius, mighty and grand,
- Darius, the king of every land.
- Ruler of Persia, vast and free,
- Sovereign of earth and endless sea.
- Hystaspes, my father, revered and true,
- A name held dear by hearts that knew.
- Arsames, my grandfather, noble and famed,
- A Persian am I, in Achaemenid named.”
- Thus speaks Darius, proud of line,
- Honouring forebears through time divine:
- "Achaemenes, the first of our kin,
- Teispes, his son, the line did begin.
- Ariaramnes followed, then Arsames came,
- Hystaspes rose, to pass on my name."
- Thus speaks Darius, king of might:
- "Our lineage noble, pure and bright.
- From kings descended, through time we tread,
- We are the Achaemenids," he said.
This pertains to the Achaemenid dynasty, which governed Persia from the 8th century BC to the 6th century BC.
- Thus speaks Darius, proud and wise,
- A king whose rule all lands comprise:
- “I honour forebears, eight in line,
- And I, the ninth, in their design.
- Ahura Mazda, I revere,
- Who blessed my reign, both just and clear,
- With royal grace, his gift bestowed,
- The power to rule, my path he showed.
- The peoples I name, across the land,
- Subjects united beneath my hand:
- The Persians, Medes, and Bactrians true,
- Armenians, Scythians, Parthians too.
- The Lydians, Egyptians, mighty and grand,
- Babylonians and Elamites stand,
- Drangians, Arabs, and Sattagydians call,
- Arachosians and Assyrians all.
- The Gandharians, Ionians, bold in name,
- Sogdians, Chorasmians, add to my fame,
- And Cappadocians, loyal and strong,
- Together they make my empire long.”
The Bactrians were the inhabitants of Bactria, a region situated within the modern territories of Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Afghanistan. The Gandharans were the people of the Gandhara region, centred around the southern part of the Kabul River in present-day Afghanistan. The Sogdians were the residents of Sogdiana, located in what is now Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. The Elamites were the inhabitants of Elam, a region corresponding to the modern Iranian provinces of Khuzestan and Lorestan.
- Thus speaks Darius, mighty and wise,
- "I honour Ormuzd, who rules the skies.
- With mercy shown, he granted me power,
- To reign supreme in this fateful hour.
- The lands are loyal, they tribute bring,
- And swiftly obey the commands of their king."
- Thus speaks Darius, firm and grand,
- "Ormuzd aids me, his guiding hand.
- His favour bestowed, his strength I bear,
- In the power I hold, his will is there."
- Thus speaks Darius, with heavy sigh,
- "I recall Cambyses, who ruled on high,
- And grieve for Smerdis, untimely lost,
- Both sons of Cyrus, whose path they crossed.
- Cambyses claimed the Persian throne,
- But dark deceit his name did own.
- He slew his brother in secret shame,
- And hid the act to preserve his name.
- On Egypt's sands, his fate was sealed,
- As Persia's lands began to yield.
- Turmoil spread through Media's plains,
- Deception ruled, and chaos reigned."
- Thus speaks Darius, with sombre tone,
- "And unrest grew, the seeds were sown.
- Gaumata rose in Pasargadae,
- Claiming to be Smerdis that day.
- ‘Cyrus, my father, and Cambyses, my kin,’
- He spoke, deceiving the people within.
- The army turned, betrayed their king,
- To the mage they bowed, allegiance to bring.
- The Medes submitted, the Persians fell,
- To Gaumata's lies, their hearts did swell.
- A name he made, by deceit unfurled,
- As Cambyses departed this troubled world."
Pasargadae is a Persian city and the first capital of the Achaemenid Empire. The Pasargadae complex is situated in Iran's Fars province.
- Thus speaks Darius, mighty and strong,
- "The mage took the throne through deeds of wrong,
- The kingdom of Cambyses, his rightful claim,
- Was stolen by Gaumata, in deception’s name.
- This false pretender seized the land,
- Proclaiming himself king by his hand."
- Thus speaks Darius, with solemn grace,
- "No one dared confront his place.
- Our noble class, stripped of might,
- Feared the mage and his ruthless spite.
- The people trembled, their courage fled,
- For defiance could mean losing one’s head.
- He claimed he was Smerdis, known by name,
- And none could challenge his deceitful claim.
- But I called upon Ormuzd, divine,
- Who granted his mercy and power to mine.
- Though my army was small, we fought and won,
- Gaumata’s reign was over, his rule undone.
- His cursed followers met their fall,
- And I reclaimed the power from them all.
- Honouring Ormuzd, who guided my hand,
- I rule the kingdom, by his command."
- Thus speaks Darius, firm and wise,
- "I restore the kingdom to its rightful ties.
- The vile mage destroyed what was sacred and grand,
- I rebuilt the temples across the land.
- The pastures and livestock he took away,
- I returned them to the people without delay.
- I revived the past, its splendour and name,
- Honouring Ormuzd, in all I reclaim.
- With effort and strength, our lineage stands,
- Preserved and protected by divine hands.
- Ormuzd ensured that our line would survive,
- The mage’s destruction could not deprive."
- Thus speaks Darius, with purpose clear,
- "These are the deeds I do as king here."
- Thus speaks Darius, with tempered might,
- "Though I defeated the mage in righteous fight,
- Now Elam rises, unrest takes hold,
- Asina declares himself king, bold.
- The people believe and grant him the throne,
- Elam is his, the kingdom his own.
- And Babylon trembles, in chaos it lies,
- As Nidinhtu-Bel calls for rebellion to rise.
- He claims, 'I am Nabonidus’ son,'
- The people believe, and his rule has begun.
- Thus, even in victory, challenges stay,
- Yet Ormuzd will guide and light the way."
Nabonidus was the last king of the Neo-Babylonian Kingdom, a state located in the region of Mesopotamia.
- Thus speaks Darius, steadfast and bold,
- "I conquer Elam, as tales are told.
- Asina captured, his fate was sealed,
- By my hand, justice revealed."
- Thus speaks Darius, ruler of might,
- "My forces march towards Babylon’s height.
- Where Nidinhtu-Bel claimed the throne,
- Gathering armies, his power grown.
- Near the Tigris, his plans were laid,
- But Ormuzd's blessing my hand stayed.
- With wineskins sent and camels in train,
- My strategy clear, we crossed the plain.
- We crossed the river, victory won,
- Gaumata's reign and rebellion undone."
- Thus speaks Darius, with strength supreme,
- "I approach the Euphrates' gleaming stream.
- There Nidinhtu-Bel sought to fight,
- But Ormuzd aided my righteous might.
- In the river’s depths and on the field,
- The rebels fell, their fates were sealed."
- Thus speaks Darius, with victory near,
- "The rebel flees, his end is clear.
- Towards Babylon, his steps retreat,
- But there, my forces his doom complete.
- Ormuzd guides me, I take the town,
- The rebel is captured, his power brought down."
- Thus speaks Darius, with resolve untamed,
- "While peace I seek, rebellion is named.
- The Persians, Medes, and Scythians rise,
- The Assyrians, Parthians, and Egyptians devise,
- The Sogdians, Elamites, their fury renew,
- Yet Ormuzd's wisdom sees me through."
- Thus speaks Darius, in Elam's strife,
- "Martiya rose, claiming royal life.
- But Elam trembled, and in fear they stood,.
- Capturing Martiya, they spilled his blood."
- Thus speaks Darius, the rebel’s foe,
- "Faravarti rose, seeking the Medes to bestow,
- Claiming royal blood, his army swayed,
- But my command to Vidarnu was made.
- To Media he marched, the battle begun,
- And Ormuzd ensured the victory won."
- Thus speaks Darius, with steady hand,
- "I called Dadarsi to take command.
- ‘Go swiftly,’ I said, ‘to Armenia’s plight,
- Defeat the rebels, restore the right.’
- Through battles fierce, victory gained,
- Though rebellion thrice, my power remained."
- Thus speaks Darius, with patience wise,
- "Vaumisu marched where rebellion lies.
- In Assyria's lands, the rebels fell,
- Ormuzd’s guidance their fate did tell.
- Again they rose, again they failed,
- My might ensured the plan prevailed."
- Thus speaks Darius, unyielding still,
- "I entered Media, by Ormuzd's will.
- Faravarti fled, his end was near,
- Captured and killed, his followers in fear."
- Thus speaks Darius, with justice strong,
- "Sagartia rebelled, their cause was wrong.
- Chisantakhma rose to claim the throne,
- But Takhmaspada crushed his tone.
- The rebel captured, swiftly slain,
- Ormuzd ensures my righteous reign."
- Thus speaks Darius, through toil and strife,
- "My deeds restore the kingdom's life.
- In Media's lands, my task is done,
- The rebellion quelled, the battle won."
- Thus speaks Darius, unshaken, grand,
- "Parthia rose with rebellion's hand.
- Faravarti joined, yet Hystaspes stood,
- Gathering forces, as leaders should.
- The battle raged, the foe was defeated,
- Ormuzd ensured my reign completed."
Parthia is a region situated southeast of the Caspian Sea.
- Thus speaks Darius, steadfast and wise,
- "I gathered the Persians, my loyal allies.
- From Rei, I sent an army to aid,
- To Hystaspes, my father, the call was made.
- He led the charge, struck rebels down,
- And conquered the Parthians, restoring the crown.
- I called upon Ormuzd, my guide,
- And with his help, the victory was mine."
- Thus speaks Darius, bold and free,
- "I conquered the Parthians for all to see."
- Thus speaks Darius, with strength profound,
- "In Margiana, rebellion was found.
- Frada, the troublemaker, stirred the land,
- But my satrap in Bactria took command.
- I sent Dadarsi, swift and sure,
- To crush the rebels and bring peace secure.
- With Ormuzd's blessing, the battle was won,
- And the Margian uprising was undone."
- Thus speaks Darius, with justice clear,
- "I subdued the Bactrians without fear."
- Thus speaks Darius, with heavy tone,
- "Persia aflame, yet again it’s known.
- Vahyazdata, the rebel’s name,
- Claimed he was Smerdis, seeking fame.
- The army believed and made him king,
- But I sent my forces to end this thing.
- To Persia, my soldiers swiftly came,
- Fighting the rebel to end his claim.
- I called upon Ormuzd, my light,
- And my army brought victory, might."
- Thus speaks Darius, with triumph told,
- "The rebel fled, his courage cold.
- Through Pasargadae, to mountains he turned,
- But there his fate was grimly earned.
- Captured and executed without delay,
- His followers shared his bitter day."
- Thus speaks Darius, with actions grand,
- "In Persia’s heart, I stayed my hand.
- Yet Vahyazdata’s schemes took root,
- Sending armies to pursue their loot.
- Vivana, loyal, led the fight,
- And crushed the rebels in Ormuzd's light."
- Thus speaks Darius, with steadfast tone,
- "Babylon’s peace was overthrown.
- Arakha rose with a treacherous claim,
- Saying, ‘I am Nabonidus’ son by name.’
- I sent Intaphern, my trusted man,
- To crush the rebel’s devious plan.
- With Ormuzd's aid, Babylon fell,
- And the traitor met his final knell."
- Thus speaks Darius, with victory near,
- "Twenty battles in one year.
- Nine false kings I captured and bound,
- Rebellion silenced, order found.
- I called upon Ormuzd, divine,
- And his mercy made the victory mine."
- Thus speaks Darius, wise and bold,
- "Gaumata the Magus, deceitful and cold,
- Proclaimed to the people, ‘I am Smerdis, your king,’
- And rebellion rose, with chaos to bring.
- In Elam, Asina declared his claim,
- A wretched usurper, tarnished in name.
- Babylon boiled, in turmoil it fell,
- As Nidinhtu-Bel spread his rebel’s spell.
- He lied to the people, with treacherous tone,
- Saying, ‘I am Nabonidus' rightful son, alone.’
- Martiya, the trickster, in Elam did rise,
- Deceiving the people with treacherous lies.
- Faravarti in Media, with fury declared,
- ‘I am of noble blood,’ and rebellion was shared.
- Chisantakhma, in Sogdiana’s land,
- Proclaimed himself king, with rebels at hand.
- Frada in Margiana led the same fight,
- Claiming the crown, defying what’s right.
- In Babylon’s walls, Arakha lied,
- ‘Nabonidus is my father,’ his claim denied."
- Thus speaks Darius, with justice great,
- "I decided their punishment, sealed their fate."
- Thus speaks Darius, strong and clear,
- "I crushed rebellion far and near.
- I called on Ormuzd, my guide, my aid,
- And with his blessing, their fate was made.
- The lands that rose to spread deceit,
- I conquered them all, their end complete."
- Thus speaks Darius, with wisdom clear,
- "My successors, to you I appear:
- Do not tolerate lies or deceit,
- Punish the wicked, let justice meet."
- Thus speaks Darius, with lineage proud,
- "My inscription speaks my deeds aloud.
- Let no one call these words untrue,
- But trust in what I’ve said to you.
- Honouring Ormuzd, my tasks are done,
- And greater than others, my reign begun."
- Thus speaks Darius, with solemn tone:
- "Trust in all I’ve shown,
- And from the eyes of men,
- Let no secret hide again.
- May Ormuzd’s blessing grace
- You and yours with gentle pace,
- Granting health, and fortune’s light,
- And years of joy, both long and bright!"
- Thus speaks Darius, with a warning grim,
- "To those who hide my words from him:
- Ormuzd shall strike, your family take,
- And leave no memory in your wake."
- Thus speaks Darius, with deeds displayed,
- "In clay and stone, my words are laid.
- Throughout the world, my message sent,
- With Ormuzd’s help, my life well-spent."
- Thus speaks Darius, with steadfast might,
- "I subdued the Elamites in Ormuzd's light.
- To those who honoured not the divine,
- I dealt with them, for their sins were mine."
- Thus speaks Darius, with truth held high,
- "Who honours Ormuzd shall never die.
- And those who betray, who do not believe,
- Will face the judgment their acts receive."
- Thus speaks Darius, with wisdom's might,
- "Hide not my word, nor shun the light.
- From God’s wrath, you cannot flee,
- Your doom awaits, your family’s plea."
- Thus speaks Darius, with Ormuzd’s guide,
- "By his hand, all things abide.
- In his name, I swiftly do,
- And to all gods, my homage too."
- Thus speaks Darius, with noble might:
- "Ormuzd guides me, pure and bright.
- No lies have left my lips to stain,
- Nor harm by my hand did reign.
- My kin, in deeds of worth, excelled,
- In righteousness, they dwelled.
- The weak and strong, both knew my hand,
- No one was crushed beneath my stand.
- The worker’s toil I honoured true,
- And paid their labour due.
- But those who wrought with evil's hand,
- Shall face justice, as is planned."
- Thus speaks Darius, with words so clear:
- "To my successor, I make this plea,
- Who spreads deceit or acts unfree,
- Let them not find a place in grace,
- But justice swift shall seal their fate!"
- Thus speaks Darius, with voice so bold:
- "Who gazes here, let none destroy,
- Nor mar the form, nor bring annoy,
- But guard with care, and keep it whole,
- For this, Ormuzd will bless your soul."
- Thus speaks Darius, with words so clear,
- "Who gazes here, let no harm appear.
- To those who keep these signs with grace,
- Ormuzd’s favour shall light their place.
- Long life and joy shall them await,
- And happiness in their estate.
- Ormuzd rewards the good and true,
- For deeds of virtue, through and through."
- Thus speaks Darius, with words so bold:
- "Who gazes here or statues behold,
- Dares harm or fails to keep,
- Or lets them crumble or sweep,
- Ormuzd shall bring them low,
- Their lineage shall cease to grow,
- Their deeds shall not endure or show."
- Thus speaks Darius, steadfast and true,
- "I name the Persians, loyal and few.
- In times of turmoil, their faith remained,
- When Gaumata the Magus rebellion proclaimed.
- Intaphern, Utana, Gaubaruva stand,
- And Vidarna, steadfast, with strength in hand."
- Thus speaks Darius, with wisdom clear,
- "I call on my successor, to hold them dear.
- Reward their families, honour their name,
- For their loyalty preserved my reign."
- Thus speaks Darius, with reverence high,
- "Honouring Ormuzd, who reigns in the sky.
- This inscription I made, in Aryan tongue,
- Etched in clay, with my lineage sung.
- My message I sent to lands far and wide,
- So the truth of my deeds will never subside."
- Thus speaks Darius, recounting his reign,
- "In three short years, much was gained.
- Once more, Elam rose in strife,
- Atamaita, their strongest, sought new life.
- I sent my soldiers to fight and defend,
- The battle was fierce, but Ormuzd did send
- His blessing upon us; victory was won,
- The rebel subdued, his power undone.
- I quelled the unrest, restored the land,
- Elam subdued by my command."
- Thus speaks Darius, with justice pure,
- "Honouring Ormuzd, whose will is sure.
- I subdued the Elamites, brought them to heel,
- Dealing with those who refused to kneel,
- Who failed to honour the god divine,
- Their rebellion crushed, their fate was mine."
- Thus speaks Darius, with faith profound,
- "Honouring Ormuzd, whose mercy is bound.
- In life or death, all shall see,
- Ormuzd rewards the righteous and free."
- Thus speaks Darius, the Scythians’ foe,
- "Across the sea, to their land I go.
- With Ormuzd's aid, I struck them down,
- Restoring peace to my rightful crown.
- Skunha, their leader, was brought to me,
- And his rule ended, my reign set free."
- Thus speaks Darius, mighty and strong,
- "Honouring Ormuzd, to whom I belong.
- I subdued the Scythians, their pride brought low,
- Dealing with those who refused to show
- Their reverence to the god divine,
- Their rebellion ended, their fate was mine."
- Thus speaks Darius, with Ormuzd’s grace,
- "My victories shine across time and space.
- In life or death, all shall see,
- Ormuzd rewards the righteous and free."
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