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Abstract
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Study of the symbolic figures and badges in the Sassanian rock reliefs is a necessity which has not been independently dealt with in detail till the present time. In the present research it is attempted to study this important issue with the aid of archaeological and historical evidence. In order to achieve this objective, symbolic figures and mysterious badges existing in the Sassanian rock reliefs located in the modern Iranian geographic boundaries were identified and precisely investigated. The current study was most importantly aimed at attempting to perform semiotic investigation for the entire symbolic figures and badges and also to reveal the actual identity and real concept of each of them individually. Results gained of the present research, w4hich is considered as a fundamental research in terms of its objective and is a historical research type regarding its nature and methodology, obviously indicate that the dominant symbolic figures and badges existing in the Sassanian rock reliefs have religious origins; these figures, although represented in numerous forms, each one is considered as a particular symbol in Zoroastrianism. A number of these badges such as the crowns of the Sassanian kings, in various forms, each one represents one of the divinities. Also, the symbolic figures and non-religious badges mainly represent themes such as victory, enemies’ captivity, respect, power symbols and imperial glory.
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