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The Date of the Ṭāq i Kisrā

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 March 2011

Otto Kurz
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Extract

The Ṭāq i Kisrā is the most famous monument of Sasanian architecture, but opinions as to its date and builder differ widely. The traditional name “Arch of Khosrau” might as well refer to the first as to the second Khosrau, and perhaps not even that, as in Arabic Kisrā is used as a general designation for the Sasanian rulers. Mohammedan writers used to regard the façade of the Ṭāq i Kisrā, as one of the wonders of the world, but the historical facts were very soon obscured by legends. Eventually no less than four Sasanian rulers were quoted as its builders: Shapur I (241–273), Shapur II (310–379), Khosrau I Anushirvan (531–579) and Khosrau II Parvez (590–628).

Type
Articles
Information
Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society , Volume 73 , Issue 1 , January 1941 , pp. 37 - 41
Copyright
Copyright © The Royal Asiatic Society 1941

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References

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