Sassanids

The Sassanid Empire, existing from 224 to 651 CE, was a powerful Persian dynasty that succeeded the Parthian Empire and preceded the Islamic conquests. Known for its rich culture, advanced art, and significant achievements in science and architecture, the Sassanids promoted Zoroastrianism as the state religion. Their extensive trade networks connected East and West, influencing regions as far as China and Europe. The empire emerged as a formidable rival to the Roman and Byzantine Empires. Ultimately, it fell to unstoppable Arab invasions, which led to significant cultural and religious shifts in the region.