Iranian archaeologist discovers world’s smallest ancient inscription
Tehran - BORNA - Dr. Abolhassan Atabaki revealed that the inscription dates back to the late Sassanid period, approximately 1,600 years ago. Measuring just 4 by 7 centimeters—about the size of a matchbox—the text was painstakingly engraved into a cliff in Marvdasht, Fars Province, using a tool with a tip no wider than 0.5 millimeters.
“This exceptional discovery is one of the masterpieces of pure Iranian art of the Sassanid period. Such valuable findings in the field of cultural heritage can serve as symbols of national identity and a source of tourism attraction in the future,” Atabaki said.
Pahlavi script and religious context
According to Iranian historian Najmeh Ebrahimi, the inscription consists of nine lines written in Pahlavi and Middle Persian scripts, though the first two lines are partially obscured by natural rock sediment.
She noted that the text was most likely composed by a resident of Istakhr, an ancient Sassanid city located near Persepolis. Preliminary analysis suggests that the inscription contains a religious message, characteristic of Zoroastrian texts from the era.
Ebrahimi added that Dr. Atabaki has already conducted translation and philological research on the inscription, and a full study will soon be published in international academic journals, allowing global scholars to analyze its content.
Broader archaeological significance
The discovery follows an earlier announcement by Dr. Atabaki earlier this year, when he uncovered another rare Sassanid-era inscription in the Marvdasht region. That text, unique in tone, condemned the act of breaking promises—an ethical teaching consistent with the empire’s religious and cultural values.
Experts argue that such discoveries highlight the richness of Iran’s archaeological heritage, which remains underexplored compared to Greek or Roman civilizations despite the Sassanid Empire’s comparable cultural and political influence.
Istakhr and the Sassanid legacy
The ancient city of Istakhr, once a vibrant political and religious hub, played a decisive role in the rise of the Sassanid dynasty. It became a royal seat in 224 CE, when Ardashir I defeated Artabanus IV of Parthia and established the new Persian empire that would rule for over four centuries.
At its height, the Sassanid Empire stretched from the Levant and Mesopotamia to Central Asia and the Persian Gulf, rivaling Rome and later Byzantium as a superpower. The dynasty was also a center of innovation in art, architecture, and religious philosophy.
During this period, Iranian art reached its zenith, with monumental palaces, reliefs, and frescoes at sites such as Bishapur, Naqsh-e Rajab, and Naqsh-e Rostam. Scholars emphasize that the Marvdasht inscription, despite its minute size, reflects the same artistic precision and symbolic richness seen in larger monuments.
Preserving national identity and global heritage
Archaeologists and cultural heritage experts in Iran view this discovery as an opportunity to strengthen global awareness of the Sassanid legacy. With Iran already home to 22 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, finds like this could contribute to future nominations, particularly around Marvdasht and Istakhr.
“Each new discovery is not just about history—it’s about reaffirming Iran’s identity and its role in shaping global civilization,” Ebrahimi said.
The inscription will undergo further conservation work to prevent erosion, while digital imaging technology is expected to be used to reconstruct the obscured lines.
For Iran, such discoveries highlight both the fragility and the resilience of its ancient heritage, offering a reminder that even the smallest traces of history can carry immense meaning.
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