Shapur

In the Sassanid state:

Shapur I. Died 272. King from 239 or 241.

Shapur I conquered vast territories and thus continued the efforts of his father, Ardashir I, to strengthen and expand the state. He defeated the Roman emperor Valerian near Edessa in 260 and took the emperor and most of his army captive. During Shapur I’s reign, numerous irrigation and construction projects were carried out in Persia, and many cities were founded.

Shapur II. Died 379. King from 309.

Shapur II’s wars with Rome resulted in a considerable expansion of the Sassanid state. The king founded a number of cities. Beginning in about 339, Shapur II’s reign saw widespread persecution of the Christians, whose religion was becoming the official faith of the Roman Empire.