Yezdgerd

Yezdgerd is a name associated with several Sasanian Persian rulers. The most prominent among them is Yezdgerd I, also known as Yezdgerd the Wicked, who reigned from 399 to 420 AD. His reign is often characterized by a policy of religious tolerance, particularly towards Christians, which earned him the ire of some Zoroastrian factions. He intervened in Roman affairs and is sometimes depicted as a friend to the Roman emperor.

Yezdgerd II, who reigned from 438 to 457 AD, is known for his more aggressive stance against Christianity and other minority religions within the Sasanian Empire. He attempted to impose Zoroastrianism more firmly and faced rebellions, most notably in Armenia. His reign saw renewed conflict with the Eastern Roman Empire.

There is also mention of a Yezdgerd III, the last Sasanian king, who reigned from 632 to 651 AD. His reign was marked by the Arab conquest of Persia. He was a young ruler who inherited an empire weakened by internal strife and external threats. Despite attempts to resist the advancing Arab armies, he was ultimately defeated and killed, bringing an end to the Sasanian dynasty. The legacy of Yezdgerd, particularly Yezdgerd I and II, is complex and debated among historians, reflecting the diverse religious and political landscape of the Sasanian Empire.