"Alexander Executes Janusiyar and Mahiyar, the Slayers of Darius", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi

Author Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Iranian

Not on view

Alexander the Great figures prominently in Persian literature and histories, including in the Shahnama, where he is described as the half-brother of the Persian king Darab, who is sometimes considered to be the historical figure Darius. Alexander and Darius go to war, and Darius’s attendants decide to kill him and pledge their allegiance to Alexander. When Alexander discovers the dying Darius, however, he tells him of their common parentage and executes Janusiyar and Mahiyar.

"Alexander Executes Janusiyar and Mahiyar, the Slayers of Darius", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi, Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (Iranian, Paj ca. 940/41–1020 Tus), Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper

Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Open Access

As part of the Met's Open Access policy, you can freely copy, modify and distribute this image, even for commercial purposes.

API

Public domain data for this object can also be accessed using the Met's Open Access API.

This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.