Stone Fire-Altars of Fars Province in the Sasanian Era

The institutions of religion and state had a deep connection during the Sasanian period. Fire temples played an important role in national unity with governmental support throughout Iran, aiding the central government by conducting religious ceremonies. Fire altars, as part of the Sasanian fire temples, were essential for worship and one of the most important tools of worship in Zoroastrianism, serving as the place and throne of the great god; therefore, they are considered among the most sacred parts of fire temples. Sasanian fire altars varied in shape and material, serving different purposes. Most Sasanian fire altars were made of stone or gypsum, with a few cases made of clay. Some fire altars were cone-shaped with spoon or simple designs. An interesting point to note is that in the province of Fars (including the present-day provinces of Fars and Bushehr, and parts of the neighboring areas) during the Sasanian period, all discovered fire altars were made of stone. Except for a few cases possibly dedicated to Azar-Bahram, all the other discovered fire temples had gypsum fire altars. With this description, there may be a specific meaning hidden in the choice of fire altar material during the Sasanian period. The question raised here is about the geographical location of fire temples in relation to the material of fire altars whether a clear connection could be established between the Sasanian-Period Fars and the construction materials of fire altars or not. This fundamental research was conducted by examining field data, archaeological studies, accidental discoveries from various locations, and utilizing library information. Additionally, one of the known types of fire altars, in the form of a curtain, is depicted on some Sasanian coins. Ultimately, it seems that since Fars was the seat of the Sasanian Empire, they displayed fire on stone fire altars.