Sassanid empire in Iran was founded by:

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 3:

The Sassanid Empire, which succeeded the Parthian Empire and marked one of the most important periods in Iranian history, was founded by **Ardashir I** (Ardashir Papakan) around 224-226 CE. Ardashir was originally a local ruler, the son of Papak, who was the king of Persis (Pars/Fars), the historic homeland of the Persians. Ardashir rose to prominence by successfully challenging the authority of the Parthian Arsacid dynasty. His definitive victory came in 224 CE at the Battle of Hormozdgān against Artabanus IV, the last Parthian king. This victory allowed him to consolidate power, declare himself Shahanshah (King of Kings) of Iran, and establish the Sassanid dynasty, which ruled for over four centuries until the Arab conquest in the 7th century.

The incorrect option is 1:
Bahram I was a later Sassanid Shahanshah who reigned from 273 to 276 CE. He was the son of Shapur I, the second Sassanid king, and is known for persecuting the religious leader Mani, founder of Manichaeism. He did not found the empire.

The incorrect option is 2:
Shapur I was the son and immediate successor of Ardashir I, reigning from 240 to 270 CE. He is considered one of the greatest Sassanid rulers, famous for his military victories against the Roman Empire, including capturing the Roman Emperor Valerian.

The incorrect option is 4:
Yazdegerd I was a Sassanid king who ruled much later, from 399 to 420 CE, known for his initially tolerant policies toward Christians. He was one of the last major rulers before the empire's eventual decline and certainly not the founder; that distinction belongs to Ardashir I.