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Behistun Inscription

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The Behistun Inscription (also Bisitun or Bisutun, بیستون in modern Persian) is to cuneiform what the Rosetta Stone is to Egyptian hieroglyphs: the document most crucial in the decipherment of a previously lost script. It is located in the Kermanshah Province of Iran.

  • The Behistun Inscription, carved into a cliffside, gives the same text in three languages, telling the story of King Darius' conquests. It is illustrated by life-sized carved images of King Darius with other figures in attendance.
    The Behistun Inscription, carved into a cliffside, gives the same text in three languages, telling the story of King Darius' conquests. It is illustrated by life-sized carved images of King Darius with other figures in attendance.
  • Transcription of a part of the Behistun inscription
    Transcription of a part of the Behistun inscription
  • The text in three languages
    The text in three languages
  • Skunkha, king of 'wearing pointed caps' sakae (group of scithian tribes). Detail of Behistun Inscription.
    Skunkha, king of 'wearing pointed caps' sakae (group of scithian tribes). Detail of Behistun Inscription.
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