Although “resistance literature” is a relatively new literary term whose theorization dates back to the contemporary era or slightly earlier, the concepts of resistance and steadfastness in the face of adversity and threats to the material and spiritual life of human beings have always manifested throughout history. This claim can be substantiated by referring to the surviving texts of various epochs and nations—among them, the ancient texts of Iran, which are replete with themes that support this spiritual, innate (and at times instinctive) aspect of human nature.

The aim of this study is to identify the foundational contexts for the emergence of resistance literature in ancient Iranian texts, through a case study of the *Kārnāmeh-ye Ardeshīr-e Bābakān*. This analysis employs a descriptive-analytical method based on contextual and componential approaches in literary criticism, along with content analysis.

The *Kārnāmeh-ye Ardeshīr-e Bābakān* presents a narrative account of the dynastic transition from the Parthians to the Sasanians. Findings of this research indicate that the text contains eleven prominent themes and components of resistance: confronting falsehood and oppression, reliance on religion and metaphysical beliefs, opposition to tyranny, depiction of enemy insults, condemnation of traitors, return to innate nature, resistance unto death, loyalty and honoring the loyal, military secrecy, warfare and struggle, and national identity formation.

Among these components, religious themes and religious-national identity play the most significant role in shaping resistance literature. This study demonstrates that resistance literature is rooted in the beliefs and religious-national identity of ancient humans, and the *Kārnāmeh-ye Ardeshīr-e Bābakān* stands as one of the earliest and most significant examples of such literature.