Istakhr was an ancient city in Fars province, 5 kilometres north of Persepolis in southwestern Iran. It flourished as the capital of the Persian Frataraka governors and Kings of Persis from the third
Columns at Istakhr
Baydad, the first recorded frataraka of Persis, early 3rd century BC. Coin minted in Istakhr. Obv: Baydad with short beard, mustache, earring and satrapal headdress (kyrbasia). Rev: Baydad standing to the left of a fire temple of Ahura Mazda, standard located on the other side of the temple
Coin of Ardakhshir (Artaxerxes), frataraka of Persis, early-mid 3rd century BC. Coin minted in Istakhr. Obv: Ardakhshir wearing mustache, earring and satrapal headdress (kyrbasia). Rev: Ardakhshir standing in front of a fire temple of Ahura Mazda, standard located on the other side of the temple
Ardashir I, as King Artaxerxes (Ardaxsir) V of Persis. Circa CE 205/6-223/4, minted in Istakhr. Obv: Bearded facing head, wearing diadem and Parthian-style tiara. Rev: Bearded head of Papak, wearing diadem and Parthian-style tiara.
The Sasanian Empire, officially Eranshahr, was an Iranian empire that was founded and ruled by the House of Sasan from 224 to 651 AD. Lasting for over four centuries, the length of the Sasanian dynast
Istakhr
…the capital of the Persian Frataraka governors and Kings of Persis from the third century BC to the early 3rd century AD. It reached its apex under the Sasanian Empire (224-651 AD), and was the hometown of the Sasanian dynasty. Istakhr briefly served as the first capital of the Sasanian Empire from 224 to 226 AD and…
1840 illustration of a Sasanian relief at Firuzabad, showing Ardashir I's victory over Artabanus IV and his forces.
Rock relief of Ardashir I receiving the ring of kingship by the Zoroastrian supreme god Ahura Mazda
Rock-face relief at Naqsh-e Rostam of Persian emperor Shapur I (on horseback) capturing Roman emperor Valerian (standing) and Philip the Arab (kneeling), suing for peace, following the victory at Edessa.