Shapur I soon resumes his attacks against…
252 CE
Shapur I soon resumes his attacks against a Roman Empire debilitated by Germanic invasions and a series of short-term emperors.
He reconquers Armenia, and incites Anak the Parthian, an Arsacid Prince and said to be related to the Arsacid Kings of Armenia, to murder the new king of Armenia, Khosrov II, promising to return his own domain as a reward.
Khosrov II is the son of Tiridates II, King of Armenia by an unnamed mother, and follows his father on the Armenian throne.
He is the namesake of his paternal grandfather Khosrov I and the Parthian monarchs: Osroes I and Osroes II.
In Armenian sources, Khosrov II is often confused with his grandfather Khosrov I.
Little is known on his life prior to becoming Armenian King.
From 226 until 238, Tiridates II had been in military conflict with Ardashir I, the first king and founder of the Sassanid Empire.
Ardashir I had wanted to expand his empire, which included conquering Armenia.
Khosrov II’s father had put up a stubborn resistance against Ardashir I.
After twelve years of fighting, although Tiridates II was defeated by Ardashir I, Ardashir I had withdrawn his army and left Armenia.
Khosrov II had participated in his father’s military campaigns against Ardashir I and Ardashir I had been alarmed by the victories of Tiridates II and Khosrov II against him.
Tiridates II dies in 252 and Khosrov II succeeds his father as King of Armenia and makes his capital at Vagharshapat.
From an unknown wife, Khosrov II has known two children: a daughter, called Khosrovidukht and a son called Tiridates III.
Anak, winning Khosrov II’s trust, treacherously murders Khosrov II with his wife in Vagharshapat; in return, the outraged Armenian nobles slay Anak with his entire family.
Shapur then appoints his son Hormizd I as the “Great King of Armenia”.
With Armenia subjugated, Georgia submits to the Sassanian Empire and falls under the supervision of a Sassanian official.
The Sassanians' northern borders are thus secured.
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