Preliminary reports of the late Parthian or early Sassanian relief at Panj-e Ali, the Parthian relief at Andika and examinations of late Parthian swords and daggers

Abstract

This article examines recent archaeological excavations with respect to two Parthian reliefs and an examination of Parthian blade weapons (swords, daggers). The first archaeological site examined is the late Parthian or early Sassanian cavalry motif in the town of Koohdasht in western Iran’s Lorestan province. The Koohdasht motif is comparable to late Parthian and early Sassanian cavalry reliefs such as the Parthian relief of Gōdarz II in Bīstūn and Sassanian reliefs such as those of Ardašīr I in Fīrūzābād and the Sassanian cavalry relief panels in Naqš-e Rostam. The second site pertains to the recent discovery of the Parthian relief at Andika in Khuzestan depicting a Parthian nobleman lying sideways, leaning on his left elbow, as he holds a branch with his left hand. The theme of the Andika relief has parallels with Tang-e Sarvak (Block II) and the Tina mountain reliefin Khuzestan. The third domain, which pertains to Parthian militaria is an examination of late Parthian swords and daggers housed in the Iran Bastan Museum in Tehran.