Introduction

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter (peer-reviewed)peer-review

Abstract

The Sasanian Empire (third-seventh centuries) was one of the largest empires of antiquity, stretching from Mesopotamia to modern Pakistan and from Central Asia to the Arabian Peninsula. This mega-empire withstood powerful opponents in the steppe and expanded further in Late Antiquity, whilst the Roman world shrunk in size. Recent research has revealed the reasons for this success, notably population growth in some territories, economic prosperity and urban development, made possible through investment in agriculture and military infrastructure on a scale unparalleled in the late antique world. This volume explores the empire’s relations with its neighbours and key phenomena which contributed to its wealth and power, from the empire’s armed forces to agriculture, trade and treatment of minorities. The latest discoveries, notably major urban foundations, fortifications and irrigations systems, feature prominently. An empire whose military might and urban culture rivalled Rome and foreshadowed the caliphate will be of interest to scholars of the Roman and Islamic world.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationSasanian Persia
Subtitle of host publicationBetween Rome and the Steppes of Eurasia
EditorsEberhard Sauer
Place of PublicationEdinburgh
PublisherEdinburgh University Press
Chapter1
Pages1-18
ISBN (Electronic)9781474420686, 9781474401029
ISBN (Print)9781474401012, 9781474452304
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 27 Jun 2017

Publication series

NameEdinburgh Studies in Ancient Persia

Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)

  • ancient Persia
  • late antiquity
  • Near Eastern archaeology
  • relations between Rome and Persia
  • Sasanian Empire

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Introduction'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this