Shapur I vs Shutruk-Nahhunte I

Shapur I defeated the Roman emperor Gordian III at Misiche in Mesopotamia. Gordian died during or shortly after the battle, and his successor Philip the Arab signed a peace treaty favorable to the Sassanids, paying a large ransom.

Shapur I captured the Roman emperor Valerian in battle near Edessa. Valerian was taken prisoner and spent the rest of his life in Persian captivity, a humiliation unprecedented in Roman history. Shapur used this victory to extract tribute and territory.

Following the capture of Valerian, Shapur I invaded Syria and sacked the city of Antioch, a major Roman center. The Sassanid army plundered the city and deported many inhabitants to Persia, demonstrating the empire's military reach.

Shapur I commissioned rock reliefs and inscriptions at Naqsh-e Rostam, depicting his victories over Roman emperors. The trilingual inscription (Middle Persian, Parthian, Greek) details his campaigns and the extent of his empire, serving as a key historical source.

Shapur I founded the city of Bishapur in Fars province, modeled partly on Roman urban planning. The city featured a palace with mosaics and reliefs celebrating his victories, becoming a major Sassanid administrative and cultural center.

Shutruk-Nahhunte I conducted multiple military campaigns into Mesopotamia, expanding Elamite influence. He attacked cities such as Eshnunna and Sippar, weakening the Kassite dynasty of Babylon.

Shutruk-Nahhunte I led an Elamite invasion of Babylonia, capturing the city of Babylon. He plundered the city and removed the stele of Hammurabi, taking it to Susa as a trophy of war.

After conquering Babylon, Shutruk-Nahhunte I ordered the removal of the stele inscribed with the Code of Hammurabi. The stele was transported to Susa, the Elamite capital, where it remained until its rediscovery in 1901.