Balash vs Jovian

Balash negotiated a peace treaty with the Armenian rebels, ending the conflict that began under his predecessor Peroz I. The treaty granted religious freedom to Christians in Armenia and restored Armenian autonomy, stabilizing the region.

Balash reconciled with the powerful Sasanian nobility, who had been alienated by Peroz I's policies. He reduced taxes and restored privileges, temporarily stabilizing the internal politics of the empire after the disastrous Hephthalite war.

Balash was deposed by the Sasanian nobility after a short reign of about four years. The nobles installed his nephew Kavad I as king, reflecting the ongoing power struggles within the Sasanian court.

Jovian issued edicts restoring privileges to the Christian church that had been revoked by Julian. He recalled Christian bishops from exile and returned confiscated property. This reestablished Nicene Christianity as the favored religion of the Roman state.

After the death of Emperor Julian during his Persian campaign, the Roman army elected Jovian, the commander of the imperial guard, as emperor. Jovian was a Christian, reversing Julian's pagan revival and restoring Christianity's favored status.

Stranded deep in Persian territory after Julian's failed invasion, Jovian negotiated a humiliating peace treaty with Shapur II. He ceded five Roman provinces east of the Tigris, including Nisibis and Singara, and abandoned Roman allies in Armenia.

Jovian died suddenly in his tent at Dadastana in Bithynia, likely from carbon monoxide poisoning caused by a charcoal brazier used for heating. His reign lasted only eight months. His unexpected death created a power vacuum and led to the election of Valentinian I.