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Kavad I

Type Figure Region West Asia Time c. 449–531 Also known as Kavad、Qobad

Kavad I (c. 449–531) was a Sasanian king who reigned twice (488–496, 499–531).…

Timeline

  1. 488–496Ctesiphon · MesopotamiaKavad I succeeded his father Peroz I in 488, beginning his first reign. He backed the Mazdak movement to counterbalance the powerful nobles, provoking a fierce backlash from the aristocracy and Zoroastrian priestly establishment; in 496 he was overthrown and imprisoned in the 'City of Oblivion' (Anûshbord).
  2. 496–499Hephthalite Empire territory · Central AsiaAfter escaping from prison, Kavad I sought refuge in the Hephthalite Empire (White Huns) and married a daughter of the Hephthalite khagan in exchange for military support. With Hephthalite troops he recaptured the Sasanian throne around 499, crushing the nobles who had enthroned his brother.
  3. c. 499–531Ctesiphon · MesopotamiaAfter regaining the throne, Kavad I continued to support the Mazdak movement while launching several wars against the Byzantine Empire (the Anastasian War of 502–506, the Iberian War of 526–531). In his later years he gradually broke with the Mazdak movement and ultimately acquiesced as crown prince Khosrow led a purge of the Mazdakis, laying the foundation for a stable transition of the empire.

Sources