Drachma, Sassanid Empire, Khurso II 590-628 A.D

[jc]

Hello.

The Sassanid Empire, marked one of the most influential periods in the history of Persia. The Sassanid Dynasty ruled between 224-651 AD, marking the last high point of Persian civilization, before the Islamic occupation. The Persians for their cultural development and military, were regarded by the Roman Empire and Byzantium, as a threat. This perspective, various conflicts that originated among the Persians, Rome and then the Byzantine Empire.

The population was organized into castes: priests, soldiers, scribes and commoners. Zoroastrianism was the official state religion and spread from Persia to the central provinces. There was some persecution of other religions, especially orthodox Catholicism, especially the links with the Byzantine Empire.

Khurso's II reign, was especially prolific in military clashes on the pretext to retaliate against the attacks of the Emperor Phocas against the Persian Empire. During the reign of Emperor Heraclius, who succeeded Phocas, the Sassanids continued the attacks on the Byzantine Empire, notably the attack on the city of Jerusalem, where the holy Vera Cruz (true cross of the crucifixion of Jesus), was stolen and taken to the Sassanid capital (Ctesiphon) as sacred spoils of war. The conquered city and Santa Cruz, would remain in Sassanid hands for over fifteen years.

Heraclius had to react, he found the religious justification, the ideal reason for the war against the Sassanids. He said, that Khurso refused the peace proposals of Heraclius, saying:

"The Romans will not have peace until it worship the sun instead of a crucified man"

In 627, Heraclius, established alliances with people located in the area of ​​Armenia and Georgia and with the help of these, managed to capture Ctesiphon. In 628, Khurso was assassinated.



Drachma, 31mm; 3.52gr

[Ancientnoob]

Nice aesthetically pleasing piece! Cudos. There is a soft spot in my collection sphere for the enemies of Rome. There is even a softer spot from enemies with some track record of success. Thanks for adding the little historical tidbit...man I love this forum.

[Figleaf]

Compare this thread to see the influence of this design on early Indian coins...

Peter