(Same as Ancient Near East M110C and Iranian M110C.) Lecture, three hours; discussion, one hour (when scheduled). From fall of Arsacids to Muslim conquest of Iran. Emphasis on political and economic history, evolution of state structure, empire's religious landscape (Mazdism, Manicheism, Exilarchate, Church of Persia, Mazdakism), Persian and Roman/Byzantine interactions, Persia and East. Further accent on Persian-Roman conflicts and cooperation, Persia and Huns. P/NP or letter grading.