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TSR Wiki > Study Help > Subjects and Revision > Revision Notes > History > Theodoisus ii, yazdgard i and the mediterranean

• 420 Crisis followed 2 decades of peace with Yazdgard I (399 420) not liked did not have booty or war to keep nobility happy. Important allies in Saracen princes of al-Hira relies on military powers (dismay of nobility). Also possibility of diplomatic subsidies from Rome
• Yazdgard played an important role in making sure Theo II, after Arcadius will, got to throne in 408, seems unlikely Byzantine would have initiated any friction with Persian king. But yes Byzantine government to use Christian missions to entice Persian Saracen vassals to transfer allegiance to Western Empire.
• 422 Treaty between Theodosius II and Bahram I- both agreed not to accept Saracen rebels in event of revolt
• Yazdgard persecuting Christians only toward end of his reign lively missionary activity within Persian Empire was provocation. Rome then accepts Saracen tribes pretext could not refuse Christians asylum. War 421-22 breaks out when Thoe’s government refuses to send back refugees yaxdgard and successor Bahram V.
• Why did Romans try to reinforce defensive system with Saracens against peaceful neighbour? Persian simply reacting to Roman rule. Universal political power should not depend on goodwill of another with similar pretensions. Policy of disengagement from any semblance of such dependence. Supplies of men depleted in Byzantium risks playing with fire
• Also theory that East wanted Mediterranean basin as secure needed total Persian border security independently of Persian goodwill.

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