Shahr Baraz

Shahrbaraz or Shahrwaraz (Persian: شهربراز‎) (died June 9, 630) was a general, with the rank of Eran Spahbod (Commander of the Army of Iran) under Khosrau II (590–628). His name was Farrokhan, and Shahrbaraz was his title. It means "the Boar of the Empire", attesting to his dexterity in military command and his warlike persona, as the boar was the animal associated with the Zoroastrian Izad Vahram, the epitome of victory.

Shahrbaraz took Damascus and Jerusalem from the Byzantine Empire in 613 and 614 respectively, and the Holy Cross was carried away in triumph. However, during Heraclius' (610–641) campaign in the Persian Empire in the 620s, mutual suspicion arose between Khosrau II and Shahrbaraz. Byzantine agents showed Shahrbaraz letters indicating that Khosrau II was planning the general's execution. This kept one of the main Persian armies and its best general neutral during this crucial period, speeding the end of the war and the Byzantine victory.

Shahr Baraz in "The Banner of Kaviyan"
Shahin's great grandfather had fought the Romans in the army marshalled by Shahr Baraz and talked often of their great victories taking Palestine, Egypt and Asia Minor. He attributed this to the Banner of Kaviyan being in the van of their advances and their subsequent losses to the King of Kings Khusro sending the banner to Ctesiphon for safe-keeping.