Ardashir I

views updated May 21 2018

Ardashir I (d.ad 240) King of Persia (c.224–41). Ardashir overthrew the last Parthian king, Artabanus V, and reunited Persia. He founded the Sassanian empire, establishing its capital at Ctesiphon. He established Zoroastrianism as the state religion. Ardashir strengthened Persia by going to war against the Roman Emperor Alexander Severus. He was succeeded by Shapur I. See also Sassanid