Sasanian Empire, drachma of Kavad I (AD ) (P556)
Sasanian kings, Kavad I. Crowned bust facing right; fire altar with servants at each side (4.26 g, 29 mm).Around the time of the rise of the Sassanids, the Roman Empire was the dominant power in the Middle East, Iran was on the eastern periphery of Roman power. The Sassanids continued the Roman-Parthian wars. Around 241, Shapur began to invade Roman areas. He conquered Syria, Armenia, and cities in Mesopotamia. The Roman emperor Gordianus III engaged in a failed attempt to win back Syria in 243. His successor, Valerianus I, drove Shapur out of Syria in 260, but at Edessa, the emperor, who had come over with a small delegation to negotiate, fell into the hands of Shapur alive. The 65 years old Valerianus suffered the most terrible humiliations for weeks or months,before being eventually executed and exhibited as a stuffed trophy in the royal palace.After his victory, Shapur invadedSyria again, but this time he was defeated by Callistus "Ballista", who was nominated by Gallienus, son and successor of Valerianus. The retreating Persian army was attacked again and in the back by Odaenathus, King of Palmyra, who drove the Persians out and reconquered Mesopotamia. Read More