Armeno-Sasanian War of 363–371

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The Armeno-Sasanian Wars (363–371) were fought between the Arsacid Kingdom of Armenia and the Sasanian Empire under Shapur II. After renewed fighting, the Roman emperor Jovian agreed to a peace with Persia in 363, which handed five southern Armenian provinces and 15 fortresses to Persia. Shapur II aimed to extend Persian control over Greater Armenia.

Pap of Armenia was taken to safety in Roman Cappadocia, while Parandzem defended Artogerassa on the Aras River. The siege dragged on, and in 369 Roman intervention helped reassert Pap in Armenia. But in 368 famine and plague devastated Parandzem’s army, leading to her surrender. Shapur then ravaged Armenia, destroyed the capital Artaxata, and besieged Artogerassa, capturing Parandzem and her death followed after her abuse, according to some sources.

A combined Armenian-Roman army, about 90,000 strong, defeated the Persians near Bagavan. There were other engagements, including a major battle at Ganzak in which Shapur was wounded but the Persian forces were defeated. After these clashes, Shapur sent emissaries and a seven-year truce was agreed. He returned to Ctesiphon, and Valens to Antioch, with Armenia effectively under Roman suzerainty.

The war ended in a stalemate, but Mushegh I Mamikonian is credited with reconquering many lost Armenian territories, and Pap of Armenia was re-established as king.