Khosrow I, titled "Anushirvan" (Immortal Soul) and "The Just," implemented sweeping tax, military, and administrative reforms. Chess and the book "Panchatantra" (Kalila wa Dimna) came from India, and Gondishapur reached its zenith.
Fun Facts
The proverb "Justice of Anushirvan" lives on in Persian today. Khosrow welcomed Greek philosophers expelled from Athens. He ordered the "Khwaday-Namag" (Book of Lords) compiled—later the source for Ferdowsi's Shahnameh. The Prophet Muhammad was born during his reign.
Related Events
Foundation of Achaemenid Empire
Cyrus II (Cyrus the Great) rebelled against Astyages, the Median king and his maternal grandfather, winning the Battle of Pasargadae (550 BCE). Uniting Persians and Medes, he founded the Achaemenid Empire—history's largest empire to that date, spanning from the Indus to the Aegean.
Fall of Babylon to Persian Army
On the 16th of Tishri (around 15-20 Mehr), Persian forces under Gobryas (Ugbaru) entered Babylon without battle. Nabonidus, the last Babylonian king, fled, and the city surrendered peacefully. This peaceful conquest marked a turning point in world history.
Cyrus the Great Day (Entry into Babylon)
According to the Nabonidus Chronicle, on the 3rd of Arahsamnu (7 Aban), Cyrus the Great personally entered Babylon, 17 days after the city fell to Persian forces. The chronicle states: 'Green branches were spread before him' and the people welcomed him magnificently. Cyrus sent greetings of peace and friendship to all cities.
Conquest of Egypt by Cambyses II
Cambyses II defeated Pharaoh Psamtik III at the Battle of Pelusium, making Egypt the 27th Achaemenid satrapy. He adopted the title of Pharaoh and took the Egyptian name "Mesuti-Ra" (Born of Ra).