Heracles' Victory at the Bridge

A portion of the true Cross was taken to Jerusalem where it was venerated by pilgrims. This portion of the Cross was taken away in 614 by the pagan King Chosroes to Persia where it was placed by him in a tower intended to reflect on his own godlike character. The wall painting depicts Heracles defeating Chosroes son in 629 on his way to reclaim the Cross. They are shown facing each other on a bridge over the river Danube where the pagan leader is defeated and the entire pagan army (in the background of the painting) is converted to Christianity.

Heracles Beheads Chosroes

Having defeated his son, Heracles continues into Persia to reclaim the Cross from Chosroes. The Persian King is shown in his tower with the Cross and a symbol of the sun above. Apparently Chosroes was unaware of his son's defeat at the bridge since he was venerated like a god and none of his subjects dared tell him. Heracles approached the tower apprehended Chosroes, beheaded him and recovered the cross. The painting depicts the beheading of Chosroes in front of his tower with one of his subjects worshiping at this false shrine.