Shahrbaraz

Shahrbaraz (or Shahrwaraz) (died June 9, 630) was a general, with the rank of Eran Spahbod ("Commander of the Army of Iran") under Khosrau II (590–628). His name was Farrokhan and Shahrbaraz was his title. It means "the Boar of the Empire", attesting to his dexterity in military command and his warlike persona, as the boar was the animal associated with the Zoroastrian Izad Vahram, the epitome of victory.

Shahrbaraz took Damascus and Jerusalem from the Byzantine Empire in 613 and 614 respectively, and the Holy Cross was carried away in triumph. However, during Heraclius's (610–641) campaign in the Persian Empire in the 620s, mutual suspicion arose between Khosrau II and Shahrbaraz. Byzantine agents showed Shahrbaraz letters indicating that Khosrau II was planning the general's execution. This kept one of the main Persian armies and its best general neutral during this crucial period, speeding the end of the war and the Byzantine victory.

Following the Persian surrender, Shahrbaraz was heavily involved in the intrigues of the Sassanian court. On April 27, 630, he killed Ardashir III of Persia (628–630) and became the twenty-fifth ruler of the Sassanian Empire. He made peace with Heraclius and returned to him a relic that was accepted as the True Cross. In April 630 he failed to deal with the invasion of Armenia by a Khazar-Gokturk force under Chorpan Tarkhan. On June 9, 630 Shahrbaraz was slain, and Purandokht succeeded him.