Examining the Role of Hira in the Political and Economic Challenges of the Sassanids and the Arabs (From the Reign of Bahram V to the Battle of Dhi Qar)

Abstract

One of the significant regions that the Sassanid kingdom and the Arabs disputed over was Hira. Hira was located in the border area between Sassanid Iran and Arabia, which held considerable economic and political importance for the Sassanids. Arab tribes sought to influence Hira to gain political power, even semi-independently, and to play a role in the relations between their neighboring countries, including the Roman Empire and the Sassanid government. Hira was considered a bridge connecting the civilized regions of that era, a city with multiple cultures that spanned from ancient Iraq to the Sassanid period. This study examines the status and position of Hira in the political and economic challenges between Iran and the Arabs (from the reign of Bahram V to the Battle of Dhi Qar). The primary question of this research is the extent of the impact of this city on the economic and political conditions of the Sassanids during this period. The findings of the research indicate that, from an economic perspective, Sassanid Iran endeavored to control Hira through military and political influence and dominance over trade routes. The ruling families of Hira played an active role through military and political support from the Sassanids in a mutually beneficial arrangement. Their role was entirely in favor of the Sassanid government as long as the Arabs maintained their semi-independent rule in Hira. The absence of Hira's government created numerous problems for the Sassanids.