Two Sasanian rock reliefs of the king combatting a lion

This article analyzes the scene of Sasanian king combating a lion in two rock reliefs. Most Bas-reliefs belong to first 150 years dynasty and most are located modern Fars province. The reliefs typically depict king’s investiture by deity (who is usually Ahurā Mazdā, but, some reliefs, Mithra or Anāhitā), with courtiers, his family, at war, triumph over enemies, fighting hunting wild animals. Two bas-reliefs killing animals show him lions. One Sar Mašhad other, less-known, kept Haft-Tanān Museum, Shiraz, was discovered foothills Pahnu (Pahnā) Mount Dārāb. In ancient Near East, symbolized power, courage, ferociousness: whoever could confront it successfully regarded as powerful brave; consequently, many kings have been portrayed lions (and other animals) during this period.