Ardashir I

Ruler who overthrew Parthia and founded the Sasanian Persian Empire.

Life

Priestly family of Fars

Ardashir came from a priestly family of Fars (Persia proper) and gradually expanded his power there.

Overthrew Parthia

In 224 CE he defeated and killed the last Parthian king, Artabanus V, on the plain of Hormozgan; two years later he took Ctesiphon, was crowned "King of Kings of Iran," and founded the Sasanian dynasty. He promoted Zoroastrianism and established centralized rule.

King of Kings

In his later years he fought Rome; he died around 242 CE and passed the throne to his son Shapur I.

Legacy

The Sasanian Empire lasted more than 400 years and was the last great Iranian empire before the Islamic era.

Did you know? On a cliff face near Firuzabad in Fars, a relief still survives showing him receiving royal power from the hand of a god.

Key dates

• 208Rises in Fars (approx.)
• 224Defeats the last king of Parthia
• 226Takes Ctesiphon; proclaimed King of Kings
• 242Died (approx.)