Discovering an Important Historical Truth: The Presence of Tansar in Ardeshir Babakan’s Rock Releifs

Up to now, 35 rock reliefs have been identified from the Sassanid period, one of them is located outside the political borders of Iran, at the site known as the Rag-e Bibi in Afghanistan. 34 other rock reliefs have been discovered inside Iran’s political borders in various regions such as: Rey city, Taq-e Bustan, Salmas, Barm-e Delak, Goyum, Tang-e chogan of Bishapour, Naqsh-e Rostam, Naqsh-e Rajab, Sarab-e Bahram, Tangab-e Firouzabad, Darabgerd, Tang-e Qandil and Sar Mashhad. Although all of these rock reliefs were studied by archaeologists and domestic and foreign researchers repeatedly, but most studies have focused on identifying the main character of the rock reliefs -the Sassanid king. And there is no serious and diligent attempt at identifying other characters on the scene. Of course, some scholars tried to clarify the true identity of some of the characters in the Sasanian rock reliefs. But most of them did not succeed. Because most of these identities are based on speculation. However, identifying individuals in the Sasanian rock reliefs should be based on historical evidence or face recognition or semiotic studies. For example, some researchers said that the character discussed in this article should be the servant of the king. Some also said that he should be the representative of the Karin family. In this research, which is based on the purpose of basic research and based on the nature and method of historical research, was attempted to clarify the true identity of one of the characters in the rock reliefs of Ardashir Babakan with the help of historical evidence, face recognition and semiotic studies. The results of the studies show that the person present in the rock reliefs of Ardashir Babakan should be Tansar. An influential clergyman who has been tried to spread Zoroastrianism and to regulate the texts of Avesta, and helped Ardashir Babakan to reach power and also helped him stabilize his power.