Who was Yazdegerd III?

Yazdegerd III was the last monarch of the Sassanian Empire, ruling from 632-651.

What is Yazdegerd III best known for?

Yazdegerd III is best known as the last monarch of the Sassanian Empire whose reign saw the fall of the Sassanians to the invading Muslim Arabs.

How old was Yazdegerd III when he began to rule?

Yazdegerd III was only eight years old when he was crowned.

How did Yazdegerd III die?

Yazdegerd III was assassinated, most likely in response to his increasing demands for money to fight off the invasion of the Muslim Arabs.

Yazdegerd III

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Definition

Yazdegerd III (r. 632-651) was the last monarch of the Sassanian Empire (224-651), ruling – or attempting to rule – amidst the chaos of its final decline and fall to the invading Muslim Arabs. He was the son of the prince Shahriyar (d. 628) and grandson of Kosrau II (r. 590-628).

More about: Yazdegerd III

Timeline

602 - 628
Kosrau II's wars with Byzantine Empire which weakened the Sassanian Empire and led to civil war.
628 - 632
Civil war among Sassanian political factions further weakens the empire.
632 - 651
Reign of Yazdegerd III, the last king of the Sasanian Empire.
636
Battle of al-Qadisiyya.
642 - 651
Yazdegerd III flees invading Muslim Arab forces while trying to mobilize troops to defend his realm.
651
Yazdegerd III assassinated; fall of the Sassanian Empire.