Sasanian rock reliefs

The concept of kingship in the early Sasanian Empire (224–651) was heavily influenced by rock reliefs, which had already existed as a major artistic style and royal tradition within ancient Iran and the rest of West Asia for centuries. The Sasanians deeply respected the old tomb sculptures built by the Achaemenid Empire (550–330 BC) in Pars, a region which roughly corresponded to the present-day Fars province. To build a visual and architectural tradition for their new empire, early Sasanian monarchs borrowed heavily from Achaemenid sculptural styles.

The Sasanian Empire produced a massive quantity of large outdoor rock reliefs prior to its collapse. Combined with the royal court's strict monopoly over the craft, these factors made rock relief carving a unique royal and Iranian tradition. Pars contained most Sasanian rock reliefs, particularly in areas surrounding Persepolis.