Balash

Balash (also spelled Valash) was a Sasanian King of Kings (Shahanshah) of Iran, ruling from 484 to 488 CE. He was a brother of Peroz I, whom he succeeded after Peroz's defeat and death in a campaign against the Hephthalites.

His reign was characterized by attempts to stabilize the Sasanian Empire after the disastrous defeat. He is generally considered to have been a weak ruler, and his authority was limited. The powerful nobility exerted considerable influence during his reign.

Balash made peace with the Armenians and granted them religious freedom, a concession designed to maintain stability in that turbulent region of the empire. He also attempted to improve relations with the Byzantine Empire.

Ultimately, Balash was deposed and blinded by the nobility, who replaced him with Kavadh I, another son of Peroz I.