Rome and Persia at War: Imperial Competition and Contact, 193–363 CE

This book explores the relationship between Rome and Sasanian Persia in the third and fourth centuries AD, focusing on conflict, diplomacy, and religion as factors that shaped their interactions. It examines war and peace, diplomacy, trade, and religious contact as means of competition and development, and analyzes internal factors and the roles of regional powers. The book uses a broad range of sources and emphasizes the significance of numismatic evidence. It is the first monograph in English to critically analyze this period using a comprehensive approach, making it an invaluable resource for scholars studying Rome, Persia, and the wider Near East in Late Antiquity.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 282 pages
Publication date: 01 August 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book delves into the intricate relationship between Rome and Sasanian Persia during the third and fourth centuries AD, examining the role of conflict, diplomacy, and religion as key factors shaping their interactions. During this period, the military conflict between the two empires reached unprecedented levels and depths, surpassing the intensity seen during the Parthian period. Simultaneously, there was a significant increase in contact between the two empires, which contributed to the escalation of conflict.

In his comprehensive analysis, Edwell explores various aspects of competition and contact between Rome and Sasanian Persia. He examines war and peace, diplomacy, trade, and religious contact as the means through which these two powers sought to gain, maintain, and develop control over territories and peoples that were the source of disputes between them. The volume also delves into internal factors within both empires that influenced conflict and competition, such as political instability, economic rivalries, and cultural differences.

Furthermore, the book pays special attention to the roles of regional powers such as the Armenians, Palmyrenes, and Arabs in the conflict and contact between the two superpowers. It sheds light on their strategies, alliances, and conflicts, and how they impacted the dynamics of the wider region.

Using a wide range of sources, including literary, archaeological, numismatic, and epigraphic evidence, this book provides a comprehensive and critical analysis of competition and contact between Rome and the early Sasanians in the Near East. It is the first monograph in English to undertake such an in-depth study, encompassing the full spectrum of mechanisms by which the two powers competed.

This book is an invaluable resource for scholars and researchers interested in Rome, Persia, and the broader Near East in Late Antiquity. It offers a deep understanding of the complex dynamics and interactions between these two powerful empires and sheds light on the broader historical context of the Late Roman Empire and the early Islamic world.

Weight: 512g
Dimension: 156 x 235 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367559526