File:Image from page 331 of "Persia past and present; a book of travel and research, with more than two hundred illustrations and a map" (1906) (14802133933).jpg

Identifier: cu31924028627036 Title: Persia past and present; a book of travel and research, with more than two hundred illustrations and a map Year: 1906 (1900s) Authors: Jackson, A. V. Williams (Abraham Valentine Williams), 1862-1937 Subjects: Zoroastrianism Publisher: New York, The Macmillan Company London, Macmillan & Co., ltd. Contributing Library: Cornell University Library Digitizing Sponsor: MSN

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Text Appearing Before Image: e of the rebelking whose effigy is given, and in each case the nature of therebellion and the place where it started is recorded in a shorttablet and a word is added to the effect that the pretender lied in making his claims to the throne.^ The names of some of these rebels, like Nadintabaira, orNadintu-Bel of Babylon, we know also from other sources, andthe last in the line is Skunka the Scythian, who is marked byhis high pointed cap. Beneath the feet of the king lies a tenthfoe, imploring mercy with upstretched hands, but trampledupon by the stern monarch. This fallen enemy is Gaumatathe Magian, otherwise known as the False Smerdis, whousurped the crown upon the death of Cambyses, under pretenseof being the kings brother, but was unmasked and slain byDarius and his six trusty followers, as described in the inscrip-tion itself and narrated also by Herodotus. In the main body of the inscrip- of each revolt, and the battles whichtion below the bas-reliefs an account followed, is given.

Text Appearing After Image: The Kkk.max [ns< kiption of Ivixu Dakius1. The Fursian Text THE GRAND INSCRIPTION OF BEHISTAN 181 Directly back of the king stands his quiver-bearer and cham-berlain, Aspachanah, and behind the latter is the kings spear-bearer, Gaubruva, if we may assign to these the names attachedto the similar figures at Naksh-i Rustam — names known alsofrom the Greek sources as Gobryas and Aspathines.i Abovethe head of the king there floats a winged figure of the godAuramazda, who presents to him a ring, the symbol of sover-eignty, and adds his blessing in sanction of the kings deeds.^This figure, like the rest of the sculptures, shows the influenceof Assyro-Babjdonian art, and all the figures are very robustand stocky in build, like some of those at Persepolis. Theking is represented as heroic in size in contrast to the captives,who appear dwarfed beside him. The position of the inscriptions with reference to the bas-reliefs may next be noted. The Persian tablets are directlybelow the sculptu

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