multiplemilitary 572–591 CE
Byzantine-Sassanid War of 572–591
Mesopotamia, Armenia, Syria· Middle East
Emperor Justin II launched a major war against the Sassanid Empire, breaking the peace established by Justinian. The conflict began with a Byzantine intervention in Armenia and escalated into a grinding 20-year war across Mesopotamia, the Caucasus, and Syria. It ended with the Treaty of 591, which temporarily favored Byzantium.
Historical Significance
This was the penultimate great war between the two superpowers. It exhausted both empires militarily and economically, contributing to the even more devastating final war that would begin in 602 CE.
Islamic Relevance
The Prophet ﷺ grew up during this conflict. The rivalry between Byzantium (Christian Rome) and Persia shaped the geopolitics of the entire region, including Arabia's buffer states.
Quick Facts
- Dates (CE)
- 572–591 CE
- Civilization
- multiple
- Region
- Middle East
- Academic Sources
- 0 references
- Seerah Links
- 0 cross-references