SASSANID, Shapur I, 240-271 AD, Sivler Drachm (n°2)

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Rare Silver Drachm coin of Shapur I (241-272 AD) (n°2) Shapur I was the second Sassanid King of the Second Persian Empire . The dates of his reign are commonly given as 241 - 272, but it is likely that he also reigned as co-regent (together with his father) prior to his father's death in 241. Early years Shapur was the son of Ardeshir I ( r. 226–241), the founder of the Sassanid dynasty and whom Shapur succeeded. His mother was Lady Myrōd, [2 ] who—according to legend [3 ]—was an Arsacid princess.Shapur accompanied his father's campaigns against the Parthians, who - at the time - still controlled much of the Iranian plateau through a system of vassal states that the Persian kingdom had itself previously been a part of. Before an assembly of magnates, Ardeshir "judged him the gentlest, wisest, bravest and ablest of all his children" [2 ] and nominated him as his successor. Shapur also appears as heir apparent in Ardeshir's investiture inscriptions at Naqsh-e Rajab and Firuzabad. The Cologne Mani-Codex indicates that, by 240, Ardeshir and Shapur were already reigning together. [2 ] In a letter from Gordian III to his senate, dated to 242, the "Persian Kings" are referred to in the plural. Synarchy is also evident in the coins of this period that portray Ardashir facing his youthful son, and which are accompanied by a legend that indicates that Shapur was already referred to as king.The date of Shapur's coronation remains debated, but 241 is frequently noted. [2 ] That same year also marks the death of Ardeshir, and earlier in the year, his and Shapur's seizure and subsequent destruction of Hatra , about 100 km southwest of Nineveh and Mosul in present-day Iraq . According to legend, al-Nadirah, the daughter of the king of Hatra, betrayed her city to the Sassanids, who then killed the king and had the city razed. (Legends also have Shapur either marrying al-Nadirah, or having her killed, or both). [4 ] [ edit ]War against the Roman Empire Rock-face relief at Naqsh-e Rustam of Shapur (on horseback) with Philip the Arab and Emperor Valerian . Ardashir I had, towards the end of his reign, renewed the war against the Roman Empire . Shapur I conquered the Mesopotamian fortresses Nisibis and Carrhae and advanced into Syria . Timesitheus , father-in-law of the young emperor, Gordian III , drove him back and defeated him at the Battle of Resaena in 243, regaining Nisibis and Carrhae. Timesitheus died shortly afterward, and Philip the Arab (244–249) murdered Gordian III after his defeat at the Battle of Misiche . Philip then concluded an ignominious peace with the Persians in 244. With the Roman Empire debilitated by Germanic invasions and the continuous elevation of new emperors after the death of Trajan Decius (251), Shapur I resumed his attacks.Shapur conquered Armenia , invaded Syria, and plundered Antioch. Eventually, the Emperor Valerian (253–260) marched against him and by 257, Valerian had recovered Antioch and returned the province of Syria to Roman control. In 259, Valerian moved to Edessa , but an outbreak of plague killed many and weakened the Roman troops defending the city which was then beseiged by the Persians. In 260, Valerian arranged a meeting with Shapur to negotiate a peace settlement but was betrayed by Shapur who seized him and held him prisoner for the remainder of his life. [5 ] Shapur advanced into Asia Minor , but was driven back by defeats at the hands of Balista , who captured the royal harem. Septimius Odenathus , prince of Palmyra , rose in his rear, defeated the Persian army and regained all the territories Shapur had occupied. Shapur was unable to resume the offensive and lost Armenia again. The Humiliation of Valerian by Shapur I. Pen and ink, Hans Holbein the Younger , c. 1521 One of the great achievements of Shapur's reign was the defeat of the Roman Emperor Valerian. This is presented in a mural at Naqsh-e Rustam , w Shapur is represented on horseback wearing royal armour and crown. Before him kneels Ph... read more

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