Shāpūr II
Shāpūr II (309-379 CE) was a significant ruler of the Sāsānian Empire, known for having the longest reign of any Sāsānian monarch. He was declared king at birth and played a pivotal role in expanding the empire's power and territory. During his tenure, Shāpūr II centralized authority, diminishing the influence of the aristocracy and clergy, which allowed for more cohesive governance. His military campaigns included successful confrontations with both the Hunnic tribes to the east and the Romans to the west, notably defeating Emperor Julian during an invasion in 363 CE. As a result of his conquests, he was able to annex large areas of Armenia and solidify Sāsānian control over regions east of the Tigris River. Shāpūr II also invested in fortifications and infrastructure, including the rebuilding of Susa and the establishment of Nishapur, which was developed with the skills of deported Roman artisans. Additionally, he made Zoroastrianism the state religion and initiated systematic persecutions of other faiths, marking a significant shift in the religious landscape of the empire. His reign left a lasting impact on the political and cultural development of the Sāsānian Empire.
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Shāpūr II
Persian king
- Born: 309
- Birthplace: Firuzabad, Fars, Iran
- Died: 379
- Place of death: Bishapur
Related civilizations: Sāsānian Empire, Persia
Major role/position: Political and military leader
Life
Shāpūr II (shah-PEWR) ruled 309-379 c.e., the longest reign of any Sāsānian ruler. He was named shah the day he was born. He greatly expanded Sāsānian power and territory. Shāpūr II gradually centralized power in the office of the ruler, forcing both the aristocratic and the priestly classes to give up some claims to authority. He expanded Sāsānian control into the Arabian peninsula, rebuilt the ancient Persian city of Susa, and founded the city of Nishapur, a city built using deported Roman craftspeople.
He expanded Sāsānian control against the Hunnic tribes on the eastern Persian frontier and fought numerous battles against the Romans to the west. Emperor Julian invaded Sāsānian territory in 363 c.e., but Shāpūr II defeated him. The Eastern Roman Empire was forced to give up vast stretches of territory east of the Tigris River. Shāpūr II also conquered large portions of Armenia. Wealth from conquered territories permitted Shāpūr II to construct extensive defensive fortifications along the Syrian and Mesopotamian frontiers.
Influence
Shāpūr II expanded Sāsānian power and territory and centralized power in the hands of the shah. He made Zoroastrianism the official religion of the Sāsānian Empire and was the first shah to initiate systematic and widespread persecutions of other religions in his territory.
Bibliography
Strauss, Barry. “Rome’s Persian Mirage.” Military History Quarterly 12, no.1 (1999): 18-27.
Yarshater, Ehsan, ed. The Seleucid, Parthian, and Sasanian Periods. Vol. 3 in The Cambridge History of Iran. Cambridge, England: Cambridge University Press, 1983.