Xerxes’s inscription, Ancient Persian inscription near Van Castle, Turkey
Xerxes's inscription is a multilingual cuneiform text carved into a rock face near Van Castle. The text spans multiple lines and records royal declarations from the Achaemenid period.
King Xerxes I created this inscription by building on a surface that his father Darius had earlier prepared. The monument was established during the Achaemenid Empire's rule over the Armenian region.
The inscription shows how the Achaemenid Empire communicated with different peoples under its rule through multiple languages. It reflects the practical need to spread royal messages where many different groups lived and worked together.
The site sits on an elevated rock face and requires proper equipment and local guidance for safe access. It is wise to visit with someone familiar with the area and to choose the best time of day for viewing.
This monument is one of the rare authenticated royal texts in Old Persian found outside the ancient Persian heartland. Its location shows how the Achaemenid Empire recorded its authority over distant provinces.
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