The Ethos of Governance in the Sasanian Era

Preface

The Sasanian Empire (224–651 CE) was one of the superpowers of its time and endured for over four centuries. During this period, Iranian culture and civilization flourished. Urbanization expanded, and many cities were built. Art, architecture, and scientific learning experienced a remarkable boom, with the achievements of that era significantly influencing the progress of Muslim societies during the so-called “Islamic Golden Age.” However, due to the destruction that came with the invasions and domination by the caliphate, this renowned empire was never fully restored.

Undoubtedly, these cultural and civilizational advances were not independent of the prudence and governance of the Sasanian rulers. Like any government throughout history, this dynasty also had its shortcomings, and there were unjust or ineffective rulers. But such cases should not define the entire dynasty.

Due to the destruction of books and knowledge from ancient Persia (Iran) during the caliphate’s conquests and rule, the texts from the Sasanian period have survived only in fragmentary and scattered form. Thus, we only possess portions of the Andarznāmeh. These works, authored by kings and sages of ancient Persia, are of great value. Though primarily ethical in content, many parts contain political insights, shedding light on the principles of governance at the time.

The renowned Iranian philosopher and statesman Ibn Miskawayh compiled selections from these texts in his book Jāvidān Khrad (The Eternal Wisdom).

It must be noted, however, that some elements of these counsels do not align with modern ethical standards, as they were written in ancient times and reflect the circumstances of that era. Nonetheless, many aspects remain highly relevant today.

In this article, we examine four Andarznāmeh attributed to three kings — Anushiravan (Khosrow I), Qobād I, and Ardashir Babakan — and one scholar and vizier, Bozorgmehr Bokhtagan.

These include:

The Book of Ardashir’s Covenant (Ahd-e Ardashir)

The Wisdom of King Khosrow Qobād

Sayings of Anushiravan

Bozorgmehr’s Counsel to King Khosrow

These texts contain numerous political insights into governance. We will highlight the most significant and relevant ones for our time.

The Importance of the People

One of the most important principles in The Book of Ardashir’s Covenant is the emphasis on the well-being of the people. Ardashir Babakan tells future rulers that the interests of the people must take precedence over the ruler’s own interests. He writes:

“The ruler must first consider God, then the people, and only then himself.”
(The Book of Ardashir’s Covenant, p. 84) (1)

Ardashir also emphasizes the importance of engaging people in useful work. He warns that idleness can lead the populace to contemplate overthrowing the government:
(The Book of Ardashir’s Covenant, pp. 75–76)

This idea still holds true today. In modern times, numerous governments have faced widespread public unrest due to unemployment — sometimes leading to their downfall.

In the texts attributed to Khosrow Anushiravan, people-centered governance is again emphasized. He considers the best king to be the one most devoted to improving the lives of the people and most knowledgeable in statecraft (Jāvidān Khrad, p. 92).

This insight is crucial: a ruler with good intentions but lacking the wisdom to implement effective policies cannot be effective. Thus, both the desire to serve and the competence to do so must go hand in hand.

The Positive Influence of the Ruler’s Conduct on Society

Ardashir Babakan speaks of the powerful influence that a ruler’s conduct has on society at large:

“Know that every king has courtiers, and each of them has their own circles of influence — extending eventually to the entire population. If the king guides his courtiers onto the righteous path, they will guide theirs, and thus the entire population will be led aright.”
(The Book of Ardashir’s Covenant, pp. 88–89) (2)

Awareness of the People’s Condition and Adherence to Their Traditions

In The Wisdom of King Khosrow, Qobād I outlines four essential qualities of a good ruler:

1- Awareness of the people's conditions

2- Respect for their traditions

3- Benevolence and reform of public affairs

4- Protection of the people from injustice

(Jāvidān Khrad, p. 79)

Emphasis on Justice and Prosperity

In Bozorgmehr’s Counsel to King Khosrow, Bozorgmehr defines the best kings as those who:

Thank God more than others

Rule with greater justice than others

Show more compassion toward the people

Are most devoted to the flourishing and construction of cities — something only possible through justice (Jāvidān Khrad, p. 85)

A Warning Against Appointing the Ignorant to Positions of Power

Bozorgmehr cautions against appointing unwise individuals to positions of authority, as they bring about ruin and lead people astray (p. 87).

This implies that if subordinates cause harm, the ruler is also responsible, since he is the one who appointed them.

Recommending Knowledge-Seeking and Consulting Scholars

Bozorgmehr also advises that the best course for a king is to consult with scholars. The king himself must be a seeker of knowledge, read many books, and even absorb the sciences of other nations (Jāvidān Khrad, pp. 87–90) (3)