ABSTRACT
The Nestorian Church survived the frequent persecutions under the Sassanid empire until the seventh century, when the advent of the Arabs started a new era in its history. In the latter days of Sassanid rule, however, the Nestorians were subject to excessive taxation, the pretext being the Byzantine wars. Nestorian physicians, too, found their way to the caliph’s palaces by winning their confidence through efficient and honest medical service. While individuals thus gained position, fame and wealth during the first three centuries of Arab rule in Persia, the Nestorian church in general was not behind in its international activities and the expansion of its religious authority in the East. The church, however, became a prey to rivalry for the patriarchal throne, and this led to prolonged vacancies. Often it was won in the end by the highest bidder. Records of figures are incomplete but in the twelfth century at least three patriarchs were invested after the payment of considerable bribes.
