**4. Conclusions**

Khosrow II's eventful reign is reflected in his royal iconography, even though not directly. Khosrow II utilized different types of media to issue his ideal image of the Sasanian king. Coins and rock reliefs served to act as the most important tools for his propagandist aims. Khosrow not only drew upon the well-established iconographic language of the Sasanian dynasty but also sought clarity by putting emphasis on particular features (e.g., power rings, nimbus, etc.). Indeed, Khosrow II revived historical symbols rooted in the ancient Persian and Mesopotamian beliefs that had defined an ideal legitimate king. This explains why on the rock reliefs at Taq-e Bustan, Khosrow II is engraved as the legitimate divine king, receiving not one but two rings of power from the most respectful Zoroastrian deities. The illustration of Khosrow II as a victorious warrior and a good hunter who brought prosperity to his kingdom also served the same purpose. All the details of Khosrow's rock reliefs, such as the nimbus and the symbolic ornaments of his garments, showcase the increase in his divine splendor (i.e., the most important factor in determining a king's right to the throne). Khosrow's rock reliefs were located on a site not accessible by ordinary people; thus, they were not the main beholders of his magnificent propagandist project at Taq-e Bustan. In fact, the audience of these reliefs were the religious and military nobles who had the authority to depose the king. As with other Sasanian rulers, the coins minted by Khosrow II depict the image of the king in association with a number of religious symbols, thereby demonstrating the connection of the royal court with divine powers. Khosrow II's coins spread his image in a diverse society living in vast geography. In conclusion, it can be summarized that Khosrow's personality and kingship are well reflected in his iconographic and propagandist projects. In spite of these grand efforts, Khosrow II could not eventually satisfy the priests and military nobles (i.e., the Sasanian first social class) of his legitimacy to the crown during the final years of this sovereignty. He was then deposed and assassinated due to his defeats by Heraclius, the Roman Emperor. Nevertheless, his image remained the standard for Persian kingship throughout the centuries.

**Funding:** This research received no external funding.

**Acknowledgments:** The authors are grateful for the kind support offered by the National Museum of Iran, providing them with recent images of the coins from the time of Khosrow II.

**Conflicts of Interest:** The authors declare no conflict of interest.
