Shahr Baraz

Shahr Baraz Historical Figure Nationality: Persian Empire Year of Birth: 6th century Year of Death: 630 Cause of Death: Murdered by javelin Religion: Zoroastrianism Occupation: Soldier House: Mihran Political Office(s): King of the Sasanian Empire Fictional Appearances: "The Banner of Kaviyan" Set in OTL Type of Appearance: Posthumous reference

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 (on which Jesus was crucified) 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. In response, Shahrbaraz broke with Khosrau. The following year, Shahrbaraz joined several feudal families who supported a coup by Khosrau's son, Kavad II.

However, Kavad proved an inept ruler, surrendering all of the gains Persia made back to the Byzantines. He died in an outbreak of plague in 628, and was succeeded by Ardashir III. The feudal families began forming independent states within the empire, and Heraclius convinced Shahrbaraz to seize the throne. In April, 630, Shahrbaraz was able to form key alliances, and overthrew Ardashir. Shahrbaraz's reign was short; a prince named Farrukh Hormizd killed Shahrbaraz with a javelin in June, 630, and then helped place Khosrau II's daughter, Boran, on the throne.

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.

See also

• Sharbaraz, a fictional character in The Time of Troubles Cycle, whose name is based on the historical figure's title, but is not primarily based on him.

References

Royal offices (OTL)
Preceded by Ardashir III	Great King (Shah) of Persia 630	Succeeded by Purandokht