Rome and Persia in Late Antiquity : Neighbours and Rivals

The foundation of the Sasanian Empire in Persia in AD 224 established a formidable new power on the Roman Empire's eastern frontier, and relations over the next four centuries proved turbulent. This book provides a chronological narrative of their relationship, supported by a substantial collection of translated sources illustrating structural patterns. The political goals of the two sides, their military confrontations and their diplomatic solutions are discussed, as well as the common interests between the two powers. Special attention is given to the situation of Arabia and Armenia, to economic aspects, the protection of the frontiers, the religious life in both empires and the channels of communication between East and West. Considerable attention is also paid to exploring the role played by the Sasanians in the history of the ancient Near East. The book will prove invaluable for students and non-specialists interested in late antiquity and early Byzantium. The Foundation Of The Sasanian Empire In Ad 224 Established A Formidable New Power On The Roman Empire's Eastern Frontier, And Relations Over The Next Four Centuries Proved Turbulent. This Book Provides A Chronological Narrative Of Their Relationship, Supported By A Collection Of Translated Sources Illustrating Important Themes And Structural Patterns. The Political Goals Of The Two Sides, Their Military Confrontations And Their Diplomatic Solutions Are Discussed, As Well As The Common Interests Between The Two Powers. Special Attention Is Given To The Situation Of Arabia And Armenia, To Economic Aspects, The Protection Of The Frontiers, The Religious Life In Both Empires And The Channels Of Communication Between East And West. In Its Chronological Scope, The Study Explores The Role Played By The Sasanians In The History Of The Ancient Near East. The Book Will Prove Invaluable For Students And Non-specialists Interested In Late Antiquity And Early Byzantium, And It Will Be Equally Useful For Specialists On These Subjects.--jacket. West And East, Friend And Foe, Counterpart And Mirror Image -- Rome And Iran To The Beginning Of The Third Century Ad -- Rome And The Sasanian Empire : A Chronological Survey -- Political Goals -- Warfare -- Military Confrontations -- The Diplomatic Solutions -- Arabia Between The Great Powers -- Shared Interests : Continuing Conflicts -- Religion : Christianity And Zoroastrianism -- Emperor And King Of Kings -- Exchange Of Information Between West And East -- Appendix 1 : Lists Of Sasanian Kings And Roman Emperors -- Appendix 2 : Chronological Table. Beate Dignas And Engelbert Winter. Includes Bibliographical References And Index.

Narrative history, with sourcebook, of the turbulent relations between Rome and the Sasanian Empire.