Attalus II of Pergamon vs Khosrow I Anushirvan

Attalus II traveled to Rome to secure continued Roman support against threats from Bithynia and the Seleucids. His diplomacy reinforced the alliance and ensured Pergamon's autonomy under Roman hegemony.

Attalus II successfully defended Pergamon against an invasion by Prusias II of Bithynia, with Roman support. He repelled the attack and later negotiated a peace, maintaining Pergamon's territorial integrity.

Attalus II founded the city of Attaleia (modern Antalya) on the southern coast of Asia Minor. This colony served as a naval base and trade hub, strengthening Pergamon's influence in the region.

Khosrow I Anushirvan ascended the throne and began a reign that would be remembered as the golden age of the Sasanian Empire. He implemented sweeping reforms in administration, military, and taxation, earning the epithet 'the Just'.

Khosrow I negotiated the 'Eternal Peace' with the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, ending the Iberian War. The treaty required the Sasanians to return occupied territories in exchange for a large gold payment, securing a temporary truce.

Taking advantage of Justinian's focus on the West, Khosrow I invaded Byzantine Syria. He captured and sacked the great city of Antioch, deporting its inhabitants to a new city near Ctesiphon, demonstrating Sasanian military power.

Khosrow I reorganized the Sasanian military, creating a standing army of heavily armored cavalry (aswaran) and improving logistics. He also reformed the tax system, introducing a fixed land tax and a poll tax, which increased state revenue.

Khosrow I founded a new city near Ctesiphon, named Weh Antiok Khosrow ('Better than Antioch, Khosrow built this'), to house the deported population of Antioch. The city became a center for trade and culture.