Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

• ali sadrayi ¹
• Mostansar Gholinejad ²
• Hossein Koohestani ³
• Mahmoud Toghraie ⁴
• Mahia Azar ⁵

¹ MA in Archaeology, University of Tarbiat Modares

² MA in Archaeology, University of Birjand

³ Assistant Professor, Department of Archaeology, University of Birjand

⁴ MA in Archaeology, University of Tehran

⁵ MA in Archaeology, University of Neyshabour

Abstract

The analyses and interpretations of archaeological findings and historical texts of the Sassanid period have not yielded satisfactory results in some cases despite extensive evidence. The plastered motifs of Bandian Fire Temple in Dargaz are still unknown despite many years of archaeological excavations and reports. Designed around the entrance hall, these motifs include images of hunting, battles of riders, victory (defeating the enemy), religious ceremonies, meetings of kings, coronation, and banquets. They actually reconstruct the story of the Hephthalites' invasion of Iran during the reign of Bahram V and their defeat by Iranians. However, some of the scenes and characters in this hall have not been analyzed and interpreted properly. By presenting well-documented evidence using historical and iconographical texts in the plastered motifs, this study evaluates and recognizes some of the scenes and images in order to provide a clearer picture of a historical narrative.

Keywords

• Bandian Fire Temple
• Dargaz
• Hephthalites
• Bahram V