Beate Dignas & Engelbert Winter - Kaveh Farrokh

148 4 The diplomatic solutions
areas of concern that had surfaced at some point since the beginnings of
Roman–Sasanian relations in the third century are mentioned. The foedus
of 562 therefore not only reflects some diplomatic effort to end the military
conflict between Byzantium and the Sasanian Empire during the reigns of
Xusrō I and Justinian but also gives us detailed insight into the intensity
of relations. 144 It was a serious attempt to find a comprehensive solution to
all controversial topics in order to stabilise the situation between the two
powers. Be that as it may, although the peace was concluded for fifty years
it did not last very long. By 572 West and East were at war again.
21: The peace treaty of 628 between Heraclius and Kavādh II ˇSērōē
Immediately after he had succeeded to the throne, the Persian ruler Kavādh
II ˇ Sērōē (February – September 628) initiated peace negotiations with
Heraclius (610–41). After his victory over Xusrō II Parvēz (590–628) and
his advance all the way to Ktēsiphōn at the beginning of the year 628 the
Byzantine emperor had decided to withdraw his troops. 145 From 11 March
to 8 April 628 he stayed at Gandzak in Azerbaijan. 146 During these weeks he
received a letter written by Kavādh II, in which the Persian ruler expressed
his desire for peace and which is remarkable in many ways. The text was
recorded in the so called Easter Chronicle, the Chronicon Paschale, which
was composed by an unknown cleric from Constantinople between 631 and
641. It represents one of the most important examples of Graeco-Christian
chronography; originally the work covered the time span from Adam to
the year 630 but the narrative is preserved only up to the year 628. In
particular with regard to the seventh century the Chronicon Paschale is a
valuable independent source because it includes numerous historical details
and draws on many official documents. 147
Chronicon Paschale a. 628
Copy of the memorandum (written) by Kavādh, the most clement Persian king,
who is also called ˇ Sērōē, (addressed) to Heraclius, our most pious and god-protected
emperor.
From Kavādh Sadasadasach we are sending greatest joy to Heraclius, the most
clement emperor of the Romans, our brother.
To the most clement emperor of the Romans, our brother.
144 Higgins 1941: 279–315; Scott 1992: 159–66.
145 On the assassination of Xusrō II Parvēz, on the succession of Kavādh II and the events of the year
628, which led to the final Roman victory over the Sasanian Empire, see Stratos 1968: 223–34.
146 Schippmann 1990: 71.
147 For a good introduction and English translation of the Greek text see Whitby and Whitby 1989.