Kavad II

Kavad II, born Sheroe in the year five hundred ninety, was a pivotal figure in the history of the Sasanian Empire, briefly reigning as the King of Kings in six hundred twenty-eight. He was the son of Khosrow II and Maria, and his ascent to power was marked by a dramatic coup against his father, aided by various factions within the nobility. This tumultuous period saw the Iranian military fragmented into three distinct armies, each commanded by a faction leader.

Upon claiming the throne, Kavad II took drastic measures to consolidate his power, executing his father and all his brothers. His reign, though short-lived, was significant as he negotiated peace with Byzantine Emperor Heraclius, effectively concluding the protracted Byzantine–Sasanian War that had persisted since six hundred two.

Tragically, Kavad II's rule was cut short by a devastating plague, which would later be referred to as the Plague of Sheroe. His untimely death led to the ascension of his young son, Ardashir III, who was only seven years old at the time. The legacy of Kavad II remains contentious; while some historians criticize his fratricide for its dire repercussions on the empire, others, like Austrian historian Nikolaus Schindel, argue that his actions may have averted a civil war and potentially delayed the disintegration of the Sasanian state.