Armenia and Heraclius’ Military Campaigns against the Sassanids (622-628 AD

Abstract

Armenia, is the areas between Iran and Rome in ancient times. Since this country enjoys a geographically, economically, politically and strategically great position, it has always been a central focus of conflict between the two great powers of the ancient times, from the middle of the Parthian era to the end of Sassanid period. Using historical research methods and citing primary sources from the period under review, this study examines the role of Armenia in the military campaigns of Heraclius in the late Sassanid era. The findings showed that for nearly two decades after the murder of Morris, the Sassanid army controlled most of the eastern territories of the Byzantine. With a donation from the church and after the restoration and organization of forces, Heraclius, rather than struggling with Iranian forces in the Byzantine territory, attacked the back of the battlefield in Armenia, to take over the important western regions in Iran, including the capital of the Sassanid dynasty. Heraclius policy paid off and resulted in his first victory in Armenia and defeating the Sassanids in the Battle of Nineveh.

Keywords

• keywords: armenia
• khosrow parviz
• heraclius
• nineveh