Hunara: Journal of Ancient Iranian Arts and History

Abstract The existence of the Sasanian Kingdom is considered an important facet of the Roman Empire’s downfall because it is believed the Sasanians were more competent or powerful than their predecessors - the Parthian Kingdom. This paper compares the total power of the Parthian and Sasanian kingdoms and concludes they are not dissimilar. In contrast, the total power of the Roman Empire decreased. Thus, I argue that while the Sasanian Kingdom contributed to the Roman Empire’s downfall, its advent should not be seen as a major cause.