Necropolis Site
One of the most important pre-Islamic attractions of Iran which dates back to Achaemenid and Sassanid periods which situated northwest of Persepolis is Necropolis Site also known as Naqshe Rostam. Here lie four Achaemenid kings: Darius the Great, Xerxes I, Artaxerxes I and Darius II. Their tomb are carved in the heart of a gigantic rock at the remarkable height above the groud. The site also boasts many stunning ancient rock reliefs depicting various kings of Achaemenid and later Elam and Sassanid dynasties.
History
The history of Naqshe Rostam is not limited to the Achaemenid and Sassanid era. It depicts a faint image of a man with unusual head-gear and is thought that exists the Elamite in origin. The depiction is part of a larger mural, most of which was removed at the command of Bahram II. The man with the unusual cap gives the site its name, Naqshe Rostam,"Picture of Rostam", which were thought to represent the mythical hero Rostam.
Where sevsn of Achaemenian kings of Iran's history lay and the bas-reliefs is Necropolis Site that narrate some of the most important events of Iran including battles and inaugurations. This famous necropolis is where we find the tombs of Darius II, Artaxerxes I, Darius I, Xerxes I and one of those at Necropolis Site is expressly declared in its inscriptions to be the tomb of Darius I. The place is located six kilometers away from Takht-e Jamshid (Persepolis).
Necropolis Tombs
Naqshe Rostam houses four rock tombs carved out of rock face at the remarkable height above the ground. “Persian crosses” Tombs are known locally, and from left to the right are the tombs of: Xerxes, Darius I, Artaxerxes I and Darius II. The entrance of each tomb is located at the center of the cross and it leads to a small chamber where the king's body lay.
Kaabe Zartosht
In front of the rock tombs, there is another construct that is referred to as Kaabe Zartosht, since it was assumed to be linked with Zoroastrianism, but in reality the function of the construct is not known. It is a cube-shaped building that belongs to the Achaemenid era. On the wall of the tower, there is an important inscription in three languages from Sasanian period.
Necropolis Carvings
The most famous carving is a picture of Bahram II that is defeating the enemy. This famous carving shows a person who is standing. To his left, a head and face can be seen. A representation of Ardeshir Babakan (226-242 AD), it shows him being designated as the King by Ahura Mazda.
Another one shows Nerssi, the elder son of Shapour I, as being designated the King by Anahita (Nahid). This carving is located at the lower portion of the tomb of Darius the Great and consists of two similar seats.