Eumenes II of Pergamon vs Kavad I

Eumenes II fought alongside the Romans at the Battle of Magnesia, where the Seleucid king Antiochus III was defeated. This victory secured Roman dominance in Asia Minor and expanded Pergamon's territory, making it a key Roman ally.

Eumenes II benefited from the Treaty of Apamea, which ended the war with Antiochus III. Pergamon received large territories in Asia Minor, including Phrygia and Lydia, greatly increasing its wealth and influence.

Eumenes II commissioned the Great Altar of Pergamon, a monumental structure adorned with a frieze depicting the Gigantomachy. This masterpiece of Hellenistic art symbolized the Attalid dynasty's power and cultural patronage.

Kavad I embraced the Mazdakite movement, a religious and social reformist sect that advocated for communal property and egalitarianism. This support alienated the Zoroastrian clergy and nobility, leading to political instability.

The Sasanian nobility and Zoroastrian clergy, opposed to Kavad's Mazdakite policies, deposed him and imprisoned him in the 'Castle of Oblivion'. His brother Jamasp was placed on the throne as a puppet ruler.

Kavad escaped from prison with the help of his supporters and fled to the Hephthalite Huns. With their military backing, he returned to Persia, defeated Jamasp, and was restored as king, now indebted to the Hephthalites.

After his restoration, Kavad I implemented significant tax and administrative reforms to strengthen the central government. He introduced a fixed land tax and reorganized the bureaucracy, reducing the power of the nobility.