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Document Details :

Title: The Vocabulary and Syntax of Iconography in Sasanian Iran
Author(s): SOUDAVAR, Abolala
Journal: Iranica Antiqua
Volume: 44    Date: 2009   
Pages: 417-460
DOI: 10.2143/IA.44.0.2034385

Abstract :
The purpose of this paper is to establish that Sasanian functionaries had to develop a sophisticated iconographical language to propagate a political propaganda aimed at a mostly illiterate population. This iconographical language not only complements the written word, but stands on its own merits in shedding some light on information not easily understood in texts. It also provides a testing ground for the interpretation of complex slogans and philological guessing.

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