Shapur II's invasion of Armenia (350)

Shapur II's invasion of Armenia in 350 was a military campaign launched by the Sasanian Empire, under the rule of Shapur II, against the Kingdom of Armenia. This invasion was part of a larger series of conflicts between the Sasanian Empire and the Roman Empire (and their client states) along their shared border.

The primary motivations for the invasion stemmed from Armenia's strategic importance as a buffer state between the Sasanian and Roman spheres of influence. Armenia, under King Arsaces II (Arshak II), had generally aligned itself with Rome, which was seen as a threat by Shapur II, who desired to bring Armenia firmly under Sasanian control and eliminate Roman influence in the region.

The specific events of the 350 invasion are somewhat sparsely documented. However, the invasion is understood to have been a significant military undertaking, aimed at subjugating Armenia and replacing Arsaces II with a Sasanian-backed ruler. The invasion likely involved sieges of Armenian cities and battles against Armenian forces.

The invasion coincided with other campaigns that Shapur II was conducting against nomadic groups on the eastern frontiers of his empire. This multi-front war complicated the situation and stretched Sasanian resources. While the Sasanian forces exerted considerable pressure on Armenia, they were ultimately unable to achieve a decisive victory in 350.

The conflict between Shapur II and Arsaces II continued in subsequent years, marked by periods of warfare, diplomacy, and internal Armenian divisions. The long-term consequence was a weakening of Armenian independence and increased Sasanian influence over the kingdom, eventually leading to the partitioning of Armenia between the Roman and Sasanian Empires in later decades.