The Sassanid Empire or Sassanian Dynasty is the name used for the Persian dynasty which lasted from 224 to 651 AD. * 224 - Ardashir I introduces the title Šāhanšāh (king of kings); the Sasanid reign is founded. * c. 224-240 – Zoroastrianism belief experiences an era of recovery under the reign of Ardashir I. * 230 - The Sassanian army assaults the Roman-controlled fraction of Upper Mesopotamia and lay hands on Nisibis, but fails to catch it. * 237-238 - Ardashir I begins another rushes on the Eastern Roman Provinces and occupies Harran and Nisibis. * 241 - Coronation of Shapur I. * c. 242-273 - Mani makes a journey in Persia. * 252-256 - Shapur I moves forward to the Eastern Roman Provinces. * c. 259 - Defeat and capture of Valerian by Shapur I. * c. 260 - 2nd foray of the Eastern