Rome and Persia in Late Antiquity

Founded in AD 224 the Sasanian Dynasty ruling Persia proved considerably more powerful and ambitious than its predecessors, and caused Rome and the Eastern Empire correspondingly greater problems. This study is an excellent resource for relations between the two great powers during the entire period of the Sasanians, down to their eclipse by the Islamic Arabs in the seventh century. In particular the book places more emphasis on Sasanian perspectives and motivations, eschewing the usual Roman notions of their policy being guided by simple aggression. The first part of the book provides a narrative overview of the period, analysing periods of war and peace. The second much longer section is a compendium of source materials, arranged thematically and covering such issues as warfare, diplomacy, trade and cultural contacts, religion and ideology. The sources are all analysed and fully introduced.