The Iranian Army: Its Formations, Types, and Leadership in the Sassanian Era

Abstract

Ardashir I (224-240 CE), the founder of the Sassanian dynasty, revived the ancient Persian customs and traditions, where warriors in the Sassanian army occupied the second rank within the social hierarchy of Sassanian society. This army comprised various formations and types ranging from cavalry, infantry, and navy and some supportive types for each category. The mission of the Sassanian army was summarized as safeguarding the integrity of the governance system and the borders of the Sassanian state. Initially, the soldiers' leadership in the Sassanian military was in the hands of the army's overall commander (Iran Spahbod). Still, during the reign of Qubad and his son Khosrow I, significant changes were witnessed in the formations and leadership of the Sassanian army, which was under the command of four leaders (Spahbods) in four parts of the borders of the Sassanian state.