Adhur Gushnasp

Adhur Gushnasp, known in Armenian sources as Arderveshnasp was an Sasanian commander and the fourth marzban of Persian Armenia from 465 to 481.[1]

Biography

In 465, Adhur Gushnasp was appointed by the Sasanian shah Peroz I as the marzban of Armenia, replacing Adhur Hormizd.[2] In 475, the Mamikonian princess Shushanik, was murdered by her husband Prince Varsken, who was a convert to Zoroastrianism, because she refused to convert and wanted to stay Christian. Varsken was then executed by Vakhtang I, king of Iberia. Peroz I sent an army to punish Vakhtang for intervening. However, Vakhtang was joined by the Armenians, and a revolt broke out in Armenia, led by Vahan I Mamikonian. Adhur Gushnasp then abandoned Dvin to escape the Armenian rebels, and took refugee in Artashat where he prepared to make a counter-attack. The insurgents then made Sahak II Bagratuni the new marzban of Armenia.[3]

Adhur Gushnasp raised an army of 7000 horsemen, and attacked the Armenians at Akori, he was however, defeated and killed.[4]

References

  1. (Basmadjian 1914, p. 293).
  2. (Grousset 1947, p. 213).
  3. (Grousset 1947, pp. 216–217).
  4. (Grousset 1947, p. 219).

Sources

Preceded by
Adhur Hormizd
Marzban of Persian Armenia
465-481
Succeeded by
Sahak II Bagratuni