Sassanid Conquest of Jerusalem
Jerusalem· Palestine
Persian forces under generals Shahrbaraz and Shahin captured Jerusalem from the Byzantines after a 21-day siege. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre was heavily damaged and the True Cross — Christendom's most sacred relic — was carried off to Ctesiphon. Thousands of Christians were killed or enslaved. Jewish communities, who had aided the Persians, briefly gained autonomy.
Historical Significance
The loss of Jerusalem shocked the Christian world and was seen as an apocalyptic sign. It was the first time the city had fallen to a non-Christian power since the Roman destruction of 70 CE.
Islamic Relevance
This event occurred during the middle Meccan period, when the Prophet ﷺ was actively preaching. The Quran's reference to the Roman defeat in Surah Ar-Rum is understood by scholars to reference this period. The capture of the True Cross devastated Christian morale, while Meccan polytheists reportedly taunted the Muslims by saying Persia's fire-worshippers had defeated Rome's Christians.
Academic Sources(from non-Muslim historians)
Gideon Avni
The Byzantine-Islamic Transition in Palestine: An Archaeological Approach
Oxford University Press
"Avni uses archaeological evidence to reconstruct the destruction of Jerusalem in 614 and its aftermath."
Quick Facts
- Dates (CE)
- May 614 CE
- Civilization
- sassanid
- Region
- Palestine
- Academic Sources
- 1 references
- Seerah Links
- 1 cross-references