Shikaft-e Gulgul, Archaeological site in Ilam Province, Iran.
Shikaft-e Gulgul is an archaeological site featuring a rock relief carved into stone displaying an Assyrian warrior with a helmet. The carving sits several meters above ground level and includes cuneiform inscriptions that were carved alongside the main figure.
The inscriptions here document the military conquest of Elam and Lorestan by Assyrian forces during the 7th century BCE. The text was deciphered and translated in 1973, revealing how the Assyrian empire extended its control to these western regions.
The rock carvings show moon and star symbols positioned above a soldier figure, following Assyrian artistic traditions. This blend of military imagery with celestial signs reflects the religious and military beliefs of that period.
The site sits in remote terrain and requires hiking across rough ground to reach it. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes, bring plenty of water, and prepare properly, especially during warmer seasons.
The combination of carved images and cuneiform writing on a single rock face is uncommon and shows how Assyrians preserved their message for posterity. This side-by-side presence of image and text gives researchers special insight into how this ancient civilization communicated.
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