The rock relief of Shapur I at Naqsh-e Rostam is carved several meters above the ground and ten meters east of the tomb of Darius the Great. It measures approximately 11 meters in length and 5 meters in width. Shapur I is recognized from his coins, his statue in the Shapur Cave of Kazeroun, and his depiction on a silver cup, known for wearing a crenellated crown. Here, he is depicted with the same crown and a large imperial orb, rendered in high relief. The king faces left, his features dignified and masculine, with flowing hair cascading down his back and a curly beard encircled by a ring. He wears a necklace of coiled links and earrings dangling from his ears. His attire consists of a tight, pleated tunic with a belt, trousers folded at the calves, and a cloak fastened at the chest with two rings, flowing freely behind him in the wind. The diadem atop his crown has long, pleated ribbons that fall loosely down his back.

Royal ribbons hang from Shapur’s shoes, and the folds of his garments are elegantly rendered. His long, straight sword remains sheathed, with his left hand resting on its hilt. His right arm is extended, the wrist concealed within a sleeve, gripping a standing Roman figure. Shapur’s horse is adorned with ornate trappings, its tail knotted and draped with a long, pleated ribbon. The horse’s haunch strap and breastplate feature large, flower-like decorative rings, and its mane is elaborately styled. A large tassel hangs from the saddle between its legs, its folds clearly visible. The king sits upright and regal in the saddle, exuding royal dignity. The horse is depicted at nearly natural scale, its right leg bent as if paused mid-motion.

Before the horse, a middle-aged Roman man kneels on his left knee, his right knee bent and hands outstretched in supplication toward the king. His left hand touches the right knee of the king’s horse. The man has a short, curly beard and wears the Roman imperial toga. On his head is a laurel wreath crown, akin to an imperial diadem. His cloak billows behind him, fastened at the shoulder with a round clasp. His tunic, with sleeves, reaches his knees and is cinched with a belt. Two rings are visible on his legs, initially mistaken for shackles but likely the edges of his half-boots, as similar rings appear on the carnelian relief mentioned earlier. A sheathed sword hangs at his waist, its hilt cross-shaped.