(The Eastern Roman Empire and the Sassanid Empire in the 6th Century. A Comparative Study of the Superpowers in the ‘Bipolar World’ of Late Antiquity)

Abstract: The Eastern Roman Empire and its rival the Sassanid Empire were the most developed states in the Late Antiquity. Using the modern terms of the global world, they can be easily described as ‘superpowers’. The study characterizes both empires from the typological perspective and, simultaneously, attempts to compare Persian and Late Roman societies. Attention is also paid to the comparison of the potential of conscription in both states, to the function and state of the capitals (Constantinople and Ctesiphon), integrative religious doctrine (Christianity and Zoroastrianism) and to relations between secular powers and priests. The final part of the article discusses mutual borders and different strategic targets of both states.

Authors: Hurbanič, Martin

DOI: 10.17846/CL.2015.8.1.2-13

Publication order reference: Doc. Mgr. Martin Hurbanič, PhD.; Katedra všeobecných dejín, Filozofická fakulta, Univerzita Komenského v Bratislave; Gondova 2, P.O.BOX 32; 814 99 Bratislava, Slovenská republika; email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Source: Konštatínove listy, 2015, vol. 8, number: 1, pages: 2-13 (PDF file)

Key words: EASTERN ROMAN EMPIRE, SASSANID EMPIRE, CAESAR, SHAH

Language: SLOVAK