Ardaxšīr

Ardashir I

Founder of the Empire

Reign: 224 - 242 CE
(18 years)

Biography

Ardashir I was the founder of the Sasanian Empire. Rising from a local ruler in Persis (Fars), he rebelled against his Parthian overlords and defeated the last Arsacid king, Artabanus IV, at the Battle of Hormozdgan in 224 CE. He established a centralized empire and promoted Zoroastrianism as the state religion, claiming descent from the legendary kings of old.

Key Achievements

  • Founded the Sasanian Empire
  • Unified Persia under central rule
  • Established Zoroastrianism as state religion
  • Built the first Sasanian capital at Gur (Firuzabad)

Quick Facts

Persian Name
Ardaxšīr
Reign Duration
18 years
Era
early Period
Coins in Collection
2

Succession

Successor

Shapur I