A striking poster has gone viral online, showing Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu kneeling at the feet of the ancient Persian King Shapur I. This image appeared in Siraz, a city in Iran, capturing wide attention on social media. Along with the poster, several humorous AI-generated videos featuring Netanyahu have also spread rapidly on the internet.
The poster draws on history from the third century when King Shapur I defeated and captured Roman Emperor Valerian. This moment was a major Persian victory and is well-known in historical records. Today, the scene is reimagined with Netanyahu taking the place of the defeated emperor, kneeling before Shapur. This visual has become a symbol of Iranian confidence following recent military tensions between Iran and Israel.
The historic event itself is brutal and clear. In the third century, Shapur I’s forces captured Valerian during a battle, marking the only time a Roman emperor was taken prisoner. Neither side could have imagined that centuries later, this ancient story would be revived as a digital poster amid modern conflicts.
This giant poster was displayed on a busy street in Siraz shortly after military clashes between Iran and Israel ended. The image shows Shapur I confidently seated on his horse while Netanyahu bows deeply at his feet. This striking scene reflects the current mood in Iran. It serves not just as political commentary but as a renewed expression of pride and strength among Iranians.
But the poster is not the only way this message spread. AI technology has transformed recent events between Iran and Israel into entertaining and sharp videos that have gone viral on social platforms. These videos mix humor and politics, presenting leaders in exaggerated and symbolic ways.
One video shows Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei pushing Netanyahu off a flying plane. The scene zooms in on Netanyahu’s fearful face while former U.S. President Donald Trump appears, rushing to save his ally. Another video depicts Netanyahu riding a bike through a difficult path filled with traps dug by Khamenei. Each pit represents political troubles, arms deals, or international statements that repeatedly cause setbacks for Netanyahu. Yet, he rises again, while Khamenei smiles and says, “This is just the beginning.”
The most popular video among these AI creations features Khamenei happily riding a scooter, with a terrified Netanyahu tied behind him. These videos are not just political cartoons. They echo the ancient Persian tactics and symbolize the modern digital revival of old power struggles.
While the videos and posters generate laughter, they carry deeper meanings. They blend Iran’s rich history, the fall of the Roman Empire, and current geopolitical conflicts into a cultural narrative. The past here is not just a lesson but a source of motivation and identity.
Though Netanyahu may not literally kneel before Shapur’s horse today, his position in the digital age appears equally uncomfortable. These posters and videos, though fictional, have become powerful symbols online. They show that history is not only written in books but can also be recreated and reshaped by modern tools like AI.
In today’s world, political messages travel fast and reach many. This new wave of digital imagery from Iran highlights how old stories continue to influence current events. It reminds us that the power of history goes beyond the past — it lives on in the present, in art, politics, and even technology.
