13 Facts About Sukhra

Sukhra was an Iranian nobleman from the House of Karen, who was the de facto ruler of the Sasanian Empire from 484 to 493.

Sukhra is often confused with his father Zarmihr Hazarwuxt and son Zarmihr Karen.

Sukhra first appears in 484, when Peroz I appoints him as the minister of the empire.

Sukhra then avenged Peroz I by invading Hephthalite territory and inflicting a major defeat on them.

However, it was in reality Sukhra that had control over the empire.

In 488, Sukhra had Balash deposed and installed Peroz I's son Kavad I as the new king.

In 493, Kavad I had Sukhra exiled to Shiraz in order to minimize his power.

In 484, Peroz I, before invading the territory of the Hephthalite Empire, had his brother Balash installed as viceroy, and Sukhra appointed as his minister.

Sukhra then set out to avenge his death, and took the majority of the Sasanian army with him; when he reached Gorgan, the Hephthalite king Khushnavaz got informed of his plan to attack him, and quickly prepared his men for war.

Sukhra, who had played a key role in Balash's deposition, appointed Peroz I's young son Kavad I as the new shah of Iran.

Sukhra lacked the manpower to do so as the army was controlled by Sukhra and the Sasanians relied mainly on the military of the Seven Great Houses of Iran.

Sukhra found his solution in Shapur of Ray, a powerful nobleman from the House of Mihran, and a resolute opponent of Sukhra.

Sukhra thereafter served as spahbed under Khosrow I's successor Hormizd IV.