Shahram Jalilian
Abstract
The efficient bureaucracy of the Sassanids, with experienced agents, carried out civil affairs in the vast area of "Iranshahr" (Iran/Sasanian Empire) for nearly five centuries. During ...
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The efficient bureaucracy of the Sassanids, with experienced agents, carried out civil affairs in the vast area of "Iranshahr" (Iran/Sasanian Empire) for nearly five centuries. During that period, "Diwan Sepah" was one of the most important organizations of the Sasanian empire, which led the war and warfare. The books that were kept and archived in this organization, besides the information about outposts and war forts of the country and the battle formations in the armories, included the names and descents of all the troops and commanders the salary of each of them, as well as the bravery and outstanding deeds of the warriors and Commanders. Earlier research has addressed the position of "secretaries" in the administrative structure of Iran during the Sassanid period, or in the books that documented the history and culture of the Sassanids, there is more or less knowledge about the secretaries. However, in these studies, there is only tacit information about the "Secretary of the Guard" as a group of Sassanid secretaries, and no solid research investigated this group of secretaries in the history of the Sassanids and their dignity and self-employment in the structure of the Sassanid imperial court. Thus, this study will discuss the importance of the "Secretary of the Corps" in the Sasanian bureaucracy, as well as his duties in wars, as the "eyes and ears" of the king and an event writer/historian in the Corps.
