Inscription of Darius

The Inscription of Darius, also known as the Behistun Inscription, is a monumental relief and text created by King Darius I of Persia around 520 BCE. It is carved into a cliff in western Iran and serves as a declaration of Darius's achievements and legitimacy as king. The inscription is written in three ancient languages: Old Persian, Elamite, and Babylonian. It describes Darius's victories over various rebellions and establishes his authority, helping historians understand the early Achaemenid Empire. Its decoding in the 19th century was crucial for understanding ancient Persian history and language.