11 Facts About Bahram I

Bahram I was the fourth Sasanian King of Kings of Iran from 271 to 274.

Bahram I was the eldest son of Shapur I and succeeded his brother Hormizd I, who had reigned for a year.

Bahram I's reign marked the end of the Sasanian tolerance towards Manichaeism, and in 274, with the support of the influential Zoroastrian priest Kartir, he had Mani imprisoned and executed.

Bahram I was the oldest son of Shapur I, the second shah of the Sasanian Empire.

Bahram I had three younger brothers: Hormizd-Ardashir, Narseh, and Shapur Meshanshah.

Bahram I is mentioned in an inscription on the wall of the Ka'ba-ye Zartosht at Naqsh-e Rostam near Persepolis in southern Iran, which Shapur I had created in order to praise his sons by citing their names and titles.

Bahram I, who was never considered a candidate for succession of the throne by his father, ascended with the aid of the powerful Zoroastrian priest Kartir.

Bahram I then made a settlement with Narseh, who agreed to give up his entitlement to the throne in return for the governorship of the important frontier province of Armenia, which was constantly the source of war between the Roman and Sasanian Empires.

Bahram I was friendly towards Mani, the founder of Manichaeism, who was allowed to preach freely and even act as an escort in Shapur's military expeditions.

Bahram I was nevertheless, like his predecessors, a "lukewarm Zoroastrian".

Bahram I was keen on combat, hunting and feasting, which he regarded as righteousness.