Behistun Inscription

The Behistun Inscription is a monumental relief and inscription carved into a cliff in western Iran, created around 520 BCE. Commissioned by Persian King Darius the Great, it commemorates his victories over various rebel leaders. The inscription is significant because it is written in three languages: Old Persian, Elamite, and Babylonian, making it a crucial key to deciphering cuneiform script, an ancient writing system. Discovered in the 19th century, this inscription greatly advanced our understanding of Persian history, culture, and language, serving as a vital source for historians and archaeologists.