Theodoisus ii, yazdgard i and the mediterranean
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·        420 Crisis – followed 2 decades of peace with Yazdgard I (399 – 420) – not liked did not have booty or war to keep nobility happy. Important allies in Saracen princes of al-Hira – relies on military powers (dismay of nobility).  Also possibility of diplomatic subsidies from Rome

·        Yazdgard played an important role in making sure Theo II, after Arcadius will, got to throne in 408, seems unlikely Byzantine would have initiated any friction with Persian king.  But yes – Byzantine government to use Christian missions to entice Persian Saracen vassals to transfer allegiance to Western Empire.

·         422 Treaty between Theodosius II and Bahram I- both agreed not to accept Saracen rebels in event of revolt

·        Yazdgard persecuting Christians only toward end of his reign – lively missionary activity within Persian Empire was provocation.  Rome then accepts Saracen tribes pretext could not refuse Christians asylum.  War 421-22 breaks out when Thoe’s government refuses to send back refugees – yaxdgard and successor Bahram V.

·        Why did Romans try to reinforce defensive system with Saracens against peaceful neighbour?  Persian simply reacting to Roman rule.  Universal political power should not depend on goodwill of another with similar pretensions.  Policy of disengagement from any semblance of such dependence.  Supplies of men depleted in Byzantium – risks playing with fire

·        Also theory that East wanted Mediterranean basin as secure – needed total Persian border security independently of Persian goodwill.

Other Notes in this Category

1. Anastiasius between persia and mediterranean
2. Attempts at Disengagement with the alliance with Persia
3. Byzantium between the mediterranean and fertile crescent
4. epilogue: justinian and the reconquest of the mediterranean
5. Key Points
6. Marcian and leo i between eprsia and the mediterranean
7. Pirenne and the Mediterranean
8. Strategic Geography
9. The crisis of 441-42 and the byzantine political dilemma
10. the mare nostrum as an economic, political and cultural entity in greek and latin sources
11. The mediterranean and financial liabilites towards persia
12. The mediterranean and the literary tradition of the roman world
13. The mediterranean and the literary tradition of the roman world
14. The vandals and the decline of mediterranean navigation
15. Theodoisus ii, yazdgard i and the mediterranean
16. Two great powers in Late antiquity : A comparison
17. Whittow – making of orthodox byzantium

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