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History glossary

the Behistun Inscription

Darius I's monumental inscription explaining his seizure of power and defeat of revolts.

Category
Inscription
Region
Western Iran
Date range
c. 520 BCE

What it means

The Behistun Inscription is a monumental royal text carved for Darius I in western Iran. It presents Darius as the rightful king who defeated false claimants and restored order after the crisis of 522 BCE.

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