Rome and Persia in Late Antiquity

Abstract

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.

When Worlds Collide: Manichaeism and Christianity in Late Antiquity

“…22 His doctrines focused on a dualistic cosmology-the ancient war between light and darkness, spirit and body, mind and matter. 23 Of the spirit who spoke to him, Mani wrote: "He revealed to me…the mystery of the Depth and the Height…the Light and the Darkness…the conflict and the great war which the Darkness stirred up." 24 Manichaeans and Christians both considered themselves "people of the book."…”

“…The Parthians, originally nomads who emerged in the third century BC, were fierce. 28 Rome viewed their successors, the Sasanian dynasty, as a serious threat. 29 Initially, tensions had little to do with religion.…”

“…35 Many depictions exist of Valarian being captured by Shapur I. 36 From the top of society to the bottom, east-west conflict was fierce. Although most wars were territorial, religion became a greater source of conflict under Constantine.…”

“…Persian rulers now viewed the Christians in their empire as a threat-as co-religionists and sympathizers with Rome, perhaps even as spies. 41 Christians in the Sasanian Empire were declared "enemies of the state," inaugurating a bloody cycle of persecutions. 42 To this day, "many [eastern Christians] still believe that the emperor's conversion to Christianity inadvertently compounded the suffering of Christians in the East."…”

Kynanthropy: canine madness in Byzantine late antiquity

“…In the sixth century ad alone, the region was almost permanently embroiled in warfare: stable peace agreements only lasted from 532 to 540, 562 to 572 and from 591 onwards (Dignas and Winter, 2007). For the Syriac-speaking civilian population, this meant that they became the victims of the power politics of their respective Byzantine or Persian rulers.…”