Bahram IV

Bahram IV, a monarch of Iran, ruled from three hundred eighty-eight to three hundred ninety-nine AD. He is believed to be the son and successor of Shapur III, who reigned from three hundred eighty-three to three hundred eighty-eight. Before ascending to the throne, Bahram held the position of governor in the southeastern province of Kirman, where he was known as Kirmanshah, meaning 'king of Kirman.' This title would later inspire the name of the city he founded in western Iran.

His reign as shahanshah was marked by relative tranquility. In Armenia, he took decisive action by deposing his vassal Khosrov IV and placing his brother Vramshapuh on the Armenian throne. The peace of his rule was briefly disrupted in three hundred ninety-five when the Huns invaded the regions surrounding the Euphrates and Tigris rivers, but they were successfully repelled.

Bahram IV is also notable for his contributions to the economy, particularly through the establishment of new mints and the regular use of mint signatures during his reign. This innovation helped to standardize currency in his empire. Tragically, like his father, Bahram IV met his end at the hands of the nobility, and he was succeeded by his brother Yazdegerd I.

His legacy is further illustrated by his portrayal on two seals, one from his time as Kirmanshah and another from his reign as shahanshah, highlighting his significance in the history of the Persian Empire.