Persian Immigrants in the Armed Forces of Early Byzantium

Introduction. The article is devoted to Persians who served in the Early Byzantine armed forces. Even during Principate period, alae and cohortes which were originally recruited from Parthians part of Roman imperial army. Units Persian defectors prisoners also created 4th 6th century. Methods. Using tools positivist methodology makes it possible provide a critical analysis information sources. At same time, prosopographical method allows study mechanisms integration immigrants neighboring realms into society using examples individual fates. Analysis. According “Notitia Dignitatum”, significant military units origin eastern provinces empire. It known that cavalry vexillationes consisted Iran included mobile armies. Some numeri with transferred Italy These mainly heavily horsemen famous for neighbors Rome Byzantium. In framework presented article, author refers personalities held commanding posts important note among them there representatives Sasanian family. Ormizdas, son Hormizd II, Kavad, grandson Kavad I, Khosrow II sought find salvation Iranian strifes at court emperors. individuals considered as completely loyal Byzantium candidates Shahanshah’s throne. However, only managed return victorious 591 support emperor Maurice. Results. concludes service was main channel empire well other foreigners Late Antique period.