Rabbinic Constructions of the Past: The Sasanian Monarchs

Although the Babylonian rabbis resided in the Sasanian Empire for more than four centuries (224–651 CE), the Babylonian Talmud mentions only a handful of the approximately thirty-three Sasanian kings by name. Nevertheless, the Talmud’s many references to kings Shapur I (r. ca. 239/40–270/72 CE) and Shapur II (r. 309–379 CE) make excellent sources for historians, as they reveal how the rabbis viewed themselves in relation to the Persian monarchy. Most of the interactions between the rabbis and the Sasanian kings are imaginary, often depicting the kings showing interest in, and in some cases even practicing, Jewish law. See also PARTHIAN AND SASANIAN IRAN.