Pabag was an Iranian prince who ruled Istakhr, the capital of Pars, from 205 or 206 until his death sometime between 207 and 210. He was the father, stepfather, grandfather, or father-in-law of Ardashir I, the founder of the Sasanian Empire. He was succeeded by his eldest son, Shapur.
A coin with the portrait of Pabag, minted by Ardashir I
Ruins of Istakhr, the capital of Pars
Coin minted under Pabag's son Shapur. The obverse shows a portrait of the latter, whilst the reverse shows a portrait of Pabag
Istakhr was an ancient city in Fars province, five kilometres north of Persepolis in southwestern Iran. It flourished as 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, 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 then as principal city, region, and religious centre of the Sasanian province of Pars.
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.
