Sassanian Empire

19 artifacts · 180 CE – 642 CE · people (6) · battle (5) · architecture (4) · art (2) · spiritual (2)

The Sassanian Empire, reigning from the 3rd to the 7th century, was a formidable rival to Rome and a center of cultural and artistic achievement in Persia. Explore the artifacts that reveal their intricate society, military might, and the influential leaders who shaped this vibrant era.

The Collection

• Ardashir I — 180 CE · people
• Battle of Hormozdgan — 224 CE · battle
• Palace of Ardashir — 224 CE · architecture
• Zoroastrianism — 224 CE · spiritual
• Firuzabad — 224 CE · architecture
• Bishapur — 226 CE · architecture
• Shapur I — 240 CE · people
• Battle of Edessa — 260 CE · battle
• Shapur Cave — 260 CE · art
• Shapur II — 310 CE · people
• Taq-e Bostan — 400 CE · art
• Avesta — 400 CE · spiritual
• Battle of Avarayr — 451 CE · battle
• Khosrow I — 501 CE · people
• Taq-i Kisra — 540 CE · architecture
• Khosrow II — 570 CE · people
• Yazdegerd III — 624 CE · people
• Battle of al-Qadisiyyah — 636 CE · battle
• Battle of Nahāvand — 642 CE · battle