Bahram Chobin

Timeline

1. c. 570–589Khurasan and the eastern Iranian frontier · KhurasanBahram Chobin came from the Mihran family of the Parthian nobility and bore the nickname 'Chobin' (meaning 'straight as a stake'). He rose to prominence through outstanding military ability under Khosrow I and Hormizd IV, achieving a brilliant victory in the eastern campaign against the Turks in 588, in which he slew the Turkic khagan Shāba. His reputation soared, making him one of the most celebrated generals of the Sasanian Empire.
2. 589–590Ctesiphon · MesopotamiaAfter setbacks against the Byzantines on the western front in 589, Hormizd IV humiliatingly punished Bahram with women's clothing and a distaff, provoking a revolt of his entire army. Bahram refused to obey and marched on Ctesiphon. After a palace coup deposed Hormizd IV in 590, Khosrow II briefly succeeded him but was soon defeated by Bahram and fled. Bahram then proclaimed himself king as Bahram VI, becoming the first Persian monarch of non-Sasanian blood.
3. 590–591Turkic lands of Central Asia · Central AsiaIn 591 Khosrow II launched a major counterattack with Byzantine allies; Bahram was routed in a battle near Nineveh and forced to flee east to seek refuge with the Western Turkic khagan. Khosrow II then sent envoys to bribe the Turkic chieftain, and Bahram was assassinated shortly after going into exile, ending this extraordinary general's short and dramatic attempt at kingship.