Shapur I
King of Persia, 241-272 AD

Silver Drachm, 27 mm.
Obverse:  Shapur facing left.
Reverse:  Fire Altar flanked by two attendants.

Shapur I was the second Sassanian king of Persia.  He attacked Rome's eastern provinces,  invading Anatolia, Armenia, and Syria, sacking many major cities including Antioch. He also encouraged the establishment of the Manichaean religion, and promoted the growth of Zoroastrianism.

In response to his military incursions, the Roman emperor Valerian undertook a campaign against him.   The campaign ended in disaster and the Valerian's capture.  Shapur used the captive Roman emperor as a footstool for mounting his horse.  When Valerian died in captivity, his body was stuffed and placed in a Persian temple.

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