Guide
Rabbinic Constructions of the Past: The Sasanian Monarchs
1st–6th Centuries
Restricted
By Carol Bakhos
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.
Related Primary Sources
Primary Source
King Shapur I Performs a Jewish Practice
[With regard to] the knife, one must polish it and it is [rendered] pure. R. Ukva bar Ḥama says: And one must thrust it ten times into the ground. R. Huna ben R. Joshua says: And [this must be done]…
Primary Source
King Shapur II and Rav Ḥama Debate Jewish Burial Practices
King Shapur [once] said to R. Ḥama: From where in the Torah is there a hint to [the commandment of] burial? [What proof is there that the dead must be buried and not treated in some other manner? R…
Primary Source
Rava Accepts Money from Ifra Hormiz, the Mother of Shapur II
[It is related that] Ifra Hormiz, the mother of King Shapur, sent four hundred dinars to R. Ami, but he did not accept them. She [then] sent them to Rava, and he accepted them for the sake of peace…
Primary Source
Ifra Hormiz Praises the Power of the Rabbis and the Jewish God
[There was] a certain man who was sentenced to be flogged by Rava’s court because he had relations with a gentile woman. Rava flogged [the man] and he died [as a result. When this] matter was heard…
Related Guide
Rabbinic Constructions of the Past: The Patriarch
1st–6th Centuries
Related Guide
Ancient Rabbinic Constructions of the Past
2nd–6th Centuries