Peroz I

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Peroz I (Pirooz, Peirozes, Priscus, fr. 33; Perozes, Procop. Pers. I. 3 and Agath. iv. 27; the modern form of the name is Feroz, Firuz), was a Sassanid King of Persia, who ruled from 457 to 484. Peroz I was the son of Yazdegerd II of Persia (438–457).

He rebelled against his brother, Hormizd III (457–459), who succeeded their father as King of Kings. In 459, Peroz I defeated and killed Hormizd III with the help of the Ephthalites, or the White Huns, who had invaded Bactria. At the same time, Peroz I killed most of his other relatives, and began persecution of some sects of Christianity. He permitted the spread of Nestorianism, a creed of Christianity different from that of the Byzantine Empire.

Peroz I attempted to maintain a peace with the Byzantine Empire and he was reasonably successful. However, he also tried to subjugate the Ephthalites, who began to conquer eastern Iran. The Romans supported him with subsidies; but all his wars were disastrous. Once he was himself taken prisoner and had to give his son Kavadh as hostage to the Ephtalites for two years until he was able to pay a heavy ransom.

Once Kavadh was free, Peroz I broke his treaty with the Epthalites and advanced with a large army. The army got lost in the eastern desert and was destroyed in 484. The Ephthalites invaded and plundered Persia for two years. Eventually, a noble Persian from the Parthian family of Karen, Zarmihr (or Sokhra/Sufra), restored some degree of order. He raised Balash of Persia (484–488), one of Peroz I's brothers, to the throne.