Pertinax vs Yazdegerd II

Pertinax attempted to restore discipline to the Praetorian Guard and reform the imperial finances. He reduced taxes, sold off Commodus's extravagant possessions, and tried to curb corruption. These reforms alienated the Praetorian Guard, who expected a large donative.

Pertinax was proclaimed Roman emperor by the Praetorian Guard after the assassination of Commodus. He was the son of a freedman and had a distinguished military and political career. His accession was initially welcomed by the Senate and people as a return to good governance.

After only 87 days in power, Pertinax was assassinated by the Praetorian Guard. The Guard stormed the imperial palace and killed him because he refused to pay them the promised donative. His death triggered a civil war and the auctioning of the empire to Didius Julianus.

Yazdegerd II launched a military campaign against the Byzantine Empire, attacking Roman territories in Mesopotamia. The war ended inconclusively after a few years, with both sides agreeing to a truce that maintained the status quo.

Yazdegerd II issued an edict demanding that the Christian population of Armenia convert to Zoroastrianism. This sparked widespread resistance and rebellion among the Armenian nobility and clergy, leading to the Battle of Avarayr in 451 AD.

Yazdegerd II's forces defeated the Armenian rebel army led by Vartan Mamikonian at the Battle of Avarayr. Although the Sasanians won militarily, the battle became a symbol of Armenian resistance, and Yazdegerd later granted religious concessions.