Battle of Edessa

A bas relief sculpture at Naqsh-e Rostam, Iran, depicting the triumph of Shapur I over the Roman Emperor Valerian.

On this folio from Walters manuscript W.602, Shapur cuts off the nose and ears of the king of Rum.

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King Sapor of Persia Humiliating Emperor Valerian (Portrait of Emperor Charles V), oil on panel, 36.8 x 28.6 cm

Interesting way to mount. Shapur I, king of Persia, mounts his horse by treading on the back of the Roman emperor Valerian.Illumination by the Boucicaut Master, in Boccaccio, Des cas des nobles hommes et femmes, trans. Laurent de Premierfait. French, Paris, about 1415. Tempera colors, gold leaf, and gold paint on parchment. MS. 63, fol. 249v. Getty Museum, Los Angeles.

Shapur Captured Valerian

The capture of Valerian by the Persians (Persian: شاهنامه Šāhnāmeh "The Book of Kings") by Hakim Abu ʾl-Qasim Ferdowsi Tusi (Tus, 940-1020 CE)

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Historical Overview
One of Rome's most shameful defeats. Emperor Valerian was captured by the Sassanid King Shapur I and spent the rest of his life in captivity.
Quick Facts
Sassanid Empire
- Commander: Schapur I.
- Strength: ca. 40.000 Mann
- Casualties: Gering
Roman Empire
- Commander: Valerian † (Gefangenschaft)
- Strength: ca. 70.000 Mann
- Casualties: Enorm (Totalverlust)
Strategic Context
Rome's attempt to stop the Sassanid offensive in the east and regain lost control over Syria.
Conflict / War
Roman-Sassanid Wars
Related Literature
Historical Locations
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