Abstract: Between 2008 and 2010, the Iranian-Italian Joint Expedition in Kūzestān conducted research in the area of the modern city of Īda under the co-direction of the authors of this paper. The aim of the expedition was to acquire new data on the Parthian rock reliefs recognised up to now at Kong-e Azdar, Kong-e Yār ‘Alīvand and Kong-e Kamālvand by applying the most up-todate technologies, namely the GPS survey and laser scanning. Indeed, despite the several studies conducted on these works, several aspects, such as the chronology of the represented scenes, their evolution and carving techniques, still need to be clarified.

A preliminary elaboration of the data acquired at Kong-e Yār ‘Alīvand allowed us to create a digital 3D model of the sculpted surface consisting of 2,467,745 points. The surface analysis conducted on this digital support revealed traces of an inscription on the upper part of the sculpted scene, which has been deeply eroded and was never reported in previous surveys, and still undetected iconographic details, which shed new light on the sculpted scene, usually interpreted as an investiture.

Key words: rock reliefs, Kong-e Yār ‘Alīvand, Kūzestān.

When I met Professor David Sellwood for the last time in 2006, in Florence, he was preparing a revision of a particular series of Parthian “provincial” issues with Alberto Simonetta. We spent almost the whole day looking at ruler portraits through magnifying lenses and, on that occasion, I asked him for his opinion on a project that I was at that time just starting to think about. My intention was to conduct field research in the area of the city of Izeh (ancient Mal-e Mir), where several Parthian rock carvings are located, with the aim of acquiring new information and data on their method of manufacture and interpretation. Needless to say, he warmly encouraged me to proceed and kindly gave me precious suggestions on the scientific relevance of these sculptural works. That research started in 2008, with the first campaign of the Iranian-Italian Joint Expedition in Khuzestan, and is still ongoing under the co-direction of myself – the corresponding author – and Jafar Mehr Kian.