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.

Sheds new light on one of the ancient world's largest, yet least known, empires. Features case studies with new evidence, which force us to re-evaluate our Euro-centric world view. Inspires us to rethink the reasons behind the success and failure of empires, not just of Sasanian Persia, but also the Western and Eastern Roman Empire and the Islamic Caliphate. Takes full account of environmental and landscape archaeology and latest fieldwork, not included in previous books on the Sasanian Empire.

About the Author
Eberhard Sauer is Professor of Roman Archaeology at the University of Edinburgh,


Book Information
ISBN 9781474401012
Author Eberhard Sauer
Format Hardback
Page Count 288
Imprint Edinburgh University Press
Publisher Edinburgh University Press