Darius I is associated with the creation of the Behistun Inscription around 520 BCE.
The Behistun Inscription is a monumental text carved into a cliff near modern Bisotun in western Iran. Darius I commissioned it early in his reign to explain how he became king and how he defeated numerous rebellions across the empire.
The inscription combines a relief of Darius with bound captives and extensive text written in three languages: Old Persian, Elamite, and Babylonian. Because the same royal message appears in these versions, the monument became crucial to the modern decipherment of cuneiform.
Darius used the inscription as political communication as well as historical record. It presents his victories as the restoration of order favored by Ahura Mazda. Although it is invaluable evidence, it is also royal propaganda and naturally emphasizes Darius’s legitimacy and success.