The Sasanian Empire at War: Persia, Rome, and the Rise of Islam, 224–651

by Michael J. Decker

A comprehensive military history of one of the most important empires of Late Antiquity The Sasanian Empire at Persia, Rome, and the Rise of Islam, 224–651 is the first comprehensive study in English examining war and society in one of the most important empires in world the Persian Empire of 224-651 AD, ruled by the Sasanian clan. At its height the Sasanians governed lands from the Indus River in the east to Egypt and the Mediterranean in the west. Adversaries of Rome, they also faced grave challenges from nomadic powers from Central Asia, notably the Huns and Turks. The Sasanians were able to maintain their empire for hundreds of years through nearly constant warfare, but when their expansion was checked in the north by the Byzantines at Constantinople in 626, and with the Muslim invasions to their south and west beginning in the 630s, the empire could no longer be sustained, and it finally collapsed. In this book, Michael J. Decker examines Sasanian warfare, including military capabilities, major confrontations, organization and weapons of the Persian army. In addition to providing a comprehensive overview of the conflicts that marked this vital period in the history of Eurasia, The Sasanian Empire at War challenges long cherished notions of the inferiority of Sasanian military capabilities and renders a new image of a sophisticated, confident culture astride the heart of Eurasia at the end of the ancient world and birth of the Silk Road. Persian arms were among the many features of their culture that drew widespread admiration and was one of the keys to the survival of Iranian culture beyond the Arab Conquest and into the present day.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Ancient History, Military History, Middle East

320 pages, Hardcover

Published September 20, 2022

Reviews

[Caleb Fogler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe closer to a 4.5, but I felt it deserved to be rounded up. This book focuses on the military campaigns of the Sasanian Empire with quotes and first hand accounts mostly from Roman historians and figures. Not many sources from Sassanian perspective but examples of Sassanian art and artifacts to display propaganda.

The focus is on military campaigns both domestic and international, but in my opinion this book would’ve benefitted from illustrations of battle strategy not just maps at the beginning of the book.

There is also a focus on military and administrative leaders over the life and experiences of everyday soldiers and citizens.

Overall, it was enjoyable and enlightening with minimal complaints.

[Luke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is now the best book to read on the Sasanian Empire unless you're an academic historian. As far as I'm aware, there is very little competition. There are a couple of professorial tomes around but this is the only one in the style of John Julius Norwich. That said, it doesn't quite rise to that level. In some of his more florid passages, you can tell he's aiming for it (and I don't blame him).

Overall, the prose is clear, the narrative flows nicely, and the story is compelling. Unfortunately when the author strays into areas I know well, there are errors, which makes me doubt the rest. One example - he writes that Emperor Maurice was hanged and I have no idea where he got that. Every other book says he was beheaded, and I'm sure that what's the source either state or imply. I've never heard of an Roman emperor being hanged. The discrepancies are only at that level and don't change the narrative much, but they are curious. Interestingly he also follows James Howard Johnston's theory that the battle in Anatolia vs Shahin was led by Heraclius himself, not his brother Theodore - which is what all the sources say. I have no criticism here, even though I disagree with the theory - JHJ is the foremost authority after all.

Since Decker is a Byzantine historian, I wonder how this book has been received both those who specialise in Persia, and whether the discrepancies are more glaring from that perspective. Regardless, his book is far more readable than their offerings.

[David Usharauli · Rating 3 out of 5]

Why was it that Alexander the Great could march as far as India, but Rome, with all its military sophistication, could not even push beyond the Euphrates in today’s Iraq, where nearly every major attempt ended in total annihilation of the Roman army and even the death or capture of the emperor? This book tells the story of an Iranian empire that endured for four centuries, only to suddenly vanish just a few years after reaching its military peak in the early 7th century.

[Patrick Elsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

it's not horrible but the lack of primary sources really hurts it. as well as the lack of any cultural, political or even looks at the makeup of the military