Paradise on Earth: The Sasanian Royal Garden at Qaṣr-e Šīrīn, Western Iran

IF 0.9 2区历史学 0 ARCHAEOLOGY

Archaeological Research in Asia Pub Date : 2025-01-09 DOI:10.1016/j.ara.2025.100591

Yousef Moradi

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Scholarly discussions about the Sasanian monumental building complex at Qaṣr-e Šīrīn have been ongoing since the 19th century, yet the Royal Garden of this complex has received relatively little attention. This article aims to bridge this scholarly gap by presenting fresh insights into the geometric layout and internal configuration of this walled garden and its associated buildings. Drawing upon recent archaeological excavations, field reconnaissance, and analysis of aerial photographic records, I discuss how this enclosed garden served not only as a setting for pleasurable retreats and imperial hunting expeditions but also as a multifunctional imperial space, which hosted various activities, ranging from official assemblies and political demonstrations to religious ceremonies and grand festivals. I suggest that imperial authorities likely commissioned the construction of this garden to project a strong message of power to affirm their political legitimacy. The juxtaposition of the Zoroastrian fire temple and the palace within the premises of the Royal Garden served as a compelling visual narrative, reinforcing the idea that kingship and religion were inherently intertwined.

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来源期刊

Archaeological Research in Asia ARCHAEOLOGY-

CiteScore

2.50

自引率

13.30%

发文量

期刊介绍： Archaeological Research in Asia presents high quality scholarly research conducted in between the Bosporus and the Pacific on a broad range of archaeological subjects of importance to audiences across Asia and around the world. The journal covers the traditional components of archaeology: placing events and patterns in time and space; analysis of past lifeways; and explanations for cultural processes and change. To this end, the publication will highlight theoretical and methodological advances in studying the past, present new data, and detail patterns that reshape our understanding of it. Archaeological Research in Asia publishes work on the full temporal range of archaeological inquiry from the earliest human presence in Asia with a special emphasis on time periods under-represented in other venues. Journal contributions are of three kinds: articles, case reports and short communications. Full length articles should present synthetic treatments, novel analyses, or theoretical approaches to unresolved issues. Case reports present basic data on subjects that are of broad interest because they represent key sites, sequences, and subjects that figure prominently, or should figure prominently, in how scholars both inside and outside Asia understand the archaeology of cultural and biological change through time. Short communications present new findings (e.g., radiocarbon dates) that are important to the extent that they reaffirm or change the way scholars in Asia and around the world think about Asian cultural or biological history.