ABSTRACT
During the latter part of the reign of Bahram II (276–92) as Shahanshah, a serious rebellion developed in the eastern provinces of the Persian Empire, which forced changes in the approach to conflict and competition with Rome. This chapter begins with a consideration of this important issue and how it roughly coincided with the elevation of Diocletian to the principate in 284. The difficulties Bahram II faced saw an early gain for Diocletian in competition with Sasanian Persia when an agreement saw the return of Tiridates to rule over part of Armenia in 287. The chapter then analyses Diocletian’s programme of upgrading defences in the eastern provinces and how this became more pronounced in the 290s. The chapter also investigates some important developments in Arabia in the latter decades of the third century and how this resulted in the opening of a comparatively new front between the two powers that would become more significant in the fourth century. When Narseh came to power as Shahanshah in 293, Rome and Persia were at peace but growing difficulties in Armenia, brought about due to the return of Tiridates, eventually saw significant conflict between Rome and Persia from 296 to 298. Discussion of the treaty of Nisibis imposed on Narseh following a major victory over his forces by Galerius in 298, together with Roman celebrations of victory, concludes the analysis offered in this chapter.
