 In 628, a devastating plague spread through western Iran, which claimed the lives of half of the population, including Kavad II himself.After the death of Kavad II, the "Wuzurgan" elected Ardashir as his successor, who was only a 7-year-old boy.In reality, however, he exercised little power and his empire was controlled by his vizier Mah-Adhur Gushnasp, whose duty was to protect the empire until Ardashir became old enough to rule.