Zoroaster's Cube, a Fascinating Ancient Monument Full of Unsolvable Mysteries

There are monuments that, in addition to being fascinating, contain seemingly unsolvable mysteries. This is the case of the Cube of Zoroaster , a construction that stands out within an ancient archaeological site. The stone enigma at Naqsh-e Rostam stands tall and austere like a beacon of antiquity. Decorated with trilingual epigraphs engraved by Shapur I and the priest Kartir, it speaks of empires, conquests and battles against Rome. Nicknamed the “temple of fire” and the “house of the foundation” in antiquity, today it is one of the most fascinating and enigmatic ancient monuments in existence.

Visiting the Zoroaster Cube

In Iran, the Cube of Zoroaster is a true institution. Nestled between ancient tombs of kings and epic rock reliefs of Naqsh-e Rostam, the stone stands concealing a secret. Known as the Cube of Zoroaster, the Ka'ba-ye Zartosht (the name in local languages) is linked to a mystery and, despite contrary belief by many to be a mausoleum of the prophet or a place of pilgrimage, it actually has many curiosities associated with it.

The structure dates back to the Achaemenid era, but no one knows its original name. During the Sassanid period it was called Bon Khānak , or “the cold foundation,” as revealed by the inscriptions carved on its walls by the priest Kartir . Its current name? It is much more recent; historians hypothesize that it was born in the 14th century when ancient ruined sites were renamed in connection with famous religious figures such as Zoroaster.

The origin of the name “ Ka'ba ” (literally “cubic”) is linked to the imposing and regular shape of the building, which recalls a cube in all respects. The black stones contrasting with the white of the walls create a wow effect, almost recalling the Kaaba in Mecca , leading them to imagine a symbolic connection with the Zoroastrian cult .

The Mystery of Zoroaster's Cube

The structure is 15 meters high and made of limestone blocks laid without mortar on a stepped base; despite much research and study, it continues to divide historians and archaeologists on what the uses of the building were. Some think it served as a sacred library, some believe it to be a solar calendar, some a royal mausoleum and some a fire temple.

What is intriguing is the construction method: the gigantic cube is made of bricks without mortar, an original innovation that will leave you speechless. But that's not all; the silent sentinel is characterized by a staircase of 30 stone steps that leads to a small and essential internal chamber.

Where is the Zoroaster Cube and how to get there

Zoroaster's Cube is one of the must-see monuments in Iran. Its name is incredibly evocative, as we have seen, and it is a wow-effect construction within the wonders of the archaeological site of Naqsh-e Rostam , in the province of Fars . The square structure, solemn and imposing, can be seen even from the village of Zangiabad and not far from the rock tombs of the great Achaemenid kings and the carved reliefs of the Elamite and Sassanid eras.

To reach it (be careful, it is currently not recommended to travel to Iran) it is advisable to start from Shiraz , a lively and historic town just over an hour away by car. Head north to first reach the village of Zangiabad and then the road to Naqsh-e Rostam , one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in the country. The cube is located right there. For those who do not want to drive a rental car, it is possible to join numerous tours and excursions that are planned for tourists.