Sasanian Persia
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·        Previous dynasty very weak, fragmented, new regime intent on controlling more closely the territories it had inherited / expanding them

·        Better than Arsacids – irrigation doubled land available for cultivation.

·        Khuro I 6^th century – large centrlised government I Ctesipon – he initiated reforms.

·        Shapur I initial empire – initial continuity with predominantly feudal Pathians.

·        Quickly developed centralisation – no more regional minting and lessening noble power.

·        Shapur must have helped with canals – evidence early central administration in Sasanian period.  Basically increased bureaucracy and centralisation – nobility never broken 3 and 5^th century instability. Linked to urban growth, especially in the the Persian heartlands

·        6^th century onwards standing army levy – presupposes organisational ability to coordinate campaigns before setting off.  But significant time lag between thinking of it and setting off.

·        Unlike Parthians S gave food to troops not self sufficient - and tax, presence of pack animals, also sieges – some sort of system existed and functioned.

·        Unique among Rome’s neighbours in comparable degree of urban development, governmental organisation – uniquely among foreign peoples recognition of parity of status. Sarsanian Persia power to be both respected and feared – discussion Roman and Persian aims.

Other Notes in this Category

1. Aims
2. At the interface - The frontier Regions
3. Geographical Knowledge
4. Personnel
5. Resources for Foreign Relations, Records
6. Roman Aims
7. Sasanian Persia
8. Strategic Intelligence in relations with Persia

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