Despite being reinforced by the Slavs and Avars, this empire failed to conquer Constantinople in 626.
This empire briefly tolerated its Jewish community thanks to the outreach of Rabbi Samuel of Nehardea. Vardan Mamikonian died in battle against this empire, although his successors eventually achieved autonomy from it. The armies of this empire included vast numbers of conscripted, poorly armored light infantry called Paygan. Ammianus Marcellinus recounts how this empire used (*) cataphracts as their heavy cavalry. Despite being reinforced by the Slavs and Avars, this empire failed to conquer Constantinople in 626. This empire's greatest victory came after capturing Valerian, whose skin may have been preserved as a trophy by this empire. For 10 points, name this Persian empire which overthrew the Parthians and was itself destroyed by Muslim conquest.
This empire briefly tolerated its Jewish community thanks to the outreach of Rabbi Samuel of Nehardea.
Sassanid Empire [or Sassanian Empire]