Belad-e Shapur: A majestic Sassanid gem

Belad-e Shapur, the captivating ruins of an ancient Sassanid city in southwest Iran, attracts a multitude of sightseers, historians, and researchers, all captivated by its historical significance.

Belad-e Shapur traces its origins back to the time of Shapur I, the illustrious second king of the Sassanid Dynasty who reigned from 241 CE to 272.

During the Sassanid era, a renaissance in art and architecture unfolded. Majestic structures, including grand palaces at Ctesiphon, Firuzabad, and Sarvestan, showcased the grandiose proportions favored by the era.

Highly refined crafts such as metalwork and gem engraving thrived, while texts from both the East and the West were translated into Pahlavi, the official language of the time.

Notably, the splendid Sassanian art left its mark on the landscape through rock-carved sculptures and intricate bas-reliefs adorning towering limestone cliffs. Bishapur, Naqsh-e Rostam, and Naqsh-e Rajab stand as remarkable examples of this captivating artistic legacy in southern Iran.

In recognition of the historical significance of the Sassanian cities in southern Iran, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) added the ensemble to its prestigious World Heritage list in 2018, under the title "Sassanid Archaeological Landscape of Fars Region".

As restoration efforts unfold by provincial officials in Belad-e Shapur, the ancient city's profound historical value and natural beauty continue to enthrall both locals and visitors from around the globe.

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