Hormizd I
270 – 271 AD
Shahanshah
Hormizd-Ardashir | Hormozd I | Ohrmazd I | هرمز یکم | 𐭠𐭥𐭧𐭥𐭬𐭦𐭣
Recreation of Sassanid Hormizd I with possible light eyes. See the description in the. Download
Hormizd I with a necklace of pearls, embroidered vest, large pearl earrings, and tied beard. In this version, darker eyes were considered. Download
Ver.2 - Last updated: March 4th 2022, by Mo. Rasoulipour
Hormizd-Ardashir known as Hormizd I, was the third-born son of Shapur I who made him governor-king of Armenia after its conquest in 252. He took part in his father's second expedition against the Roman Empire and played an important role in the capture of Antioch.
When Shapur I was on his deathbed, he crowned Hormizd as the new shahanshah of Iran, in May 270. Little is known of Hormizd's brief and uneventful reign. He is credited as the founder of the cities of Ram-Hormizd (Ramhormoz) and Hormizd-Ardashir (current Ahvaz). He promoted the Zoroastrian priest Kartir to the rank of chief priest while at the same time giving the Manichaean prophet, Mani, permission to continue his preaching.
Hormizd ruled until June 271 and was succeeded by his eldest brother Bahram.
- Paraphrased by Mahdi Valian from Wikipedia.
Insignia
References
Face
The coins above, all of which are attributed to Hormizd I are used in this reconstruction. The areas in which inspiration has been drawn most are highlighted in red. Looking at the top left coin, we can imagine a believable face with a large curved nose and perhaps a close or uni-brow.
Crown
The large Korymbos is depicted on most coins of Hormizd I which is probably made of silk covering and is adorned with pearls and jewelry.
The crown ring (diadem?) shows wave-like shapes on top but is unclear whether it is a part of the diadem, metal decorations, or simple hair sticking out between the head covering and the band. We see a similar pattern on the crown of Shapur II and Bahram V in coins and some busts that deepen the doubts. It should be noted that the curls on the back of the hair are done on most coins with exactly the same technique and shape as on the top of the crown. This is the primary reason why that is considered hair in this reconstruction, although the alternatives could be equally viable.
Hair Color
Above is a painting (fresco?) allegedly found from Tal Sefidak near Darabgard (exact location currently unknown). It probably depicts two individuals from the Sassanid royal family, perhaps toward the beginning of the dynasty. This image may be partially destroyed but might help us guess the color of a Sassanid royal’s hair and eyes. What could be observed, could be interpreted as dark hair and light brown (Hazel?) eyes.
Eye Color
There is a technique to enlighten the eye in sculpture that shows the iris prominently and distinctly with the pupil that we see in most coins of Hormizd I. But it is not certain that this technique was used for this purpose in that period. However, two samples are done, one with light and the other with dark eyes.
Visual Description in Literature
“He was like his grandfather Ardeshir in appearance and size” … “His vest… is red and embroidered, … his crown also green set in 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 63
Likely Accuracy of the Creative Recreation
Between “Weak” and “Fair“ Guess:
Even though the coins minted at this time of the Sassanid Empire are of relatively high quality, they depict Hormizd I in multiple different ways. The lack of one source of dependable likeness makes this guess slightly difficult. There are however features that are common among most coins that have been used for this image.
Note: The has been a slight weight given to the sources mentioned above in literature likening his appearance to that of his grandfather Ardeshir.
See the latest work in progress:
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