SOAS Research Online

Abstract

This article addresses, for the first time, seal impressions of four bullae, discovered by Yousef Moradi at the World Heritage site of Taḵt-e Solaymān, showing Jewish and Christian iconography in the context of the economic and administrative activities of a major Zoroastrian fire temple of Sasanian Iran. The stylistic origin of the iconography is examined, and the symbolism displayed on these bullae is interpreted in the light of both archaeological evidence and textual sources. It is argued that the original seals belonged to authorities of the Jewish and Christian minorities and point to their significant economic activities in the Sasanian fire temple of Ādur Gušnasp. Despite differences in religious beliefs, traditions, and practices, the new sigillographic evidence suggests that religious minorities readily and successfully acculturated themselves within the relatively pluralistic and generally tolerant Sasanian Empire, and participated in the social, cultural, political, and religious institutions of the ruling powers. The sealings discussed here constitute significant evidence for the acculturation of minority groups in the space of imperial and religious institutions.