Ardeshir I
211/2–224 AD
Ardashir V of Persis | Ardeshir the Unifier | Ardashir I | اردشیر یکم | 𐭠𐭥𐭲𐭧𐭱𐭲𐭥
An approximate recreation of Ardeshir I the founder of Sassanid Empire from coins associated with him. Download
Ardeshir I with an alternative background and long curly hair pulled back. Download
A younger Ardeshir I with an alternative mural crown depicted on coin. (Rare)
Ver.2 - Last updated: November 8th 2021, by Mo. Rasoulipour
Ardashir I was the founder of the Sassanian Empire. Previous to founding of the empire, he wan independent king of Persis since about 212. After defeating the last Parthian king Artabanus IV on the Hormozdgan plain in 224, Ardashir finally brought the over 400 year-old Parthian Empire to an end and marked the beginning of four centuries of Sassanian rule. Afterwards, Ardashir called himself "ShahanShah" (King of Kings) and began conquering the land that he called Iran. The word "Iran'' was previously used in Avesta (religious book of Zoroastrianism) as the name of the mythical "land of the Aryans''. He also made Zoroastrianism the state religion. In order to commemorate his victories, Ardashir ordered the making of rock reliefs in Gor (modern Firuzabad) at historical sites of Naqsh-e Rajab and Naqsh-e Rustam.
During the last two years of his life he co-ruled with his son, Shapur I who succeeded him in 242.
- Paraphrased from Wikipedia, by Mahdi Valian
Istakhr was the place Ardeshir rose to power from.
Insignia
Name:
Ardashir is the Middle Persian name derived from old Persian Artaxšaçā "whose reign is through truth". -Iranica
References
Coins of Ardeshir I used for this creation. More information to come.
Visual Description in Literature:
“His vest is… Speckled with Gold, … his crown is also green on gold…“ -Hamzah Isfahani
from - The 'History of the Kings of the Persians' in Three Arabic Chronicles: The Transmission of the Iranian Past from Late Antiquity to Early Islam (Translated Texts for Historians LUP) Paperback – September 1, 2018 - by Robert G. Hoyland
Page 62
Likely Accuracy of the Creative Recreation
Between a ‘Weak’ and a ‘Fair Guess’:
Due to high volume of coins and reliefs remaining from Ardeshir’s reign, we can say with some confidence how he might have looked like. Although in order to make this guess stronger, realistic busts of frescos might be needed.
See the latest work in progress:
Permissions
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