Dictionary of Islamic Architecture   Sassanians Iranian dynasty which ruled from 226 CE to the Arab conquest in 651. Definition The Sassanians controlled the eastern half of what became the Umayyad and Abbasid empires. Unlike their Byzantine rivals, the Sassanians were completely destroyed by the Arab invasions. Nevertheless, Sassanian traditions continued to have great importance, particularly during the Abbasid period in the eighth and ninth centuries. This influence is symbolized by the great arched iwan (Taq i Khusrau) at Ctesiphon which, like the Hagia Sophia in Constantinople, provided an example for Islamic architects.... [more] See also 'Atshan, Khan; Abbasids; Byzantine Architecture; Samarra; Ukhaidhir; Umayyads Related ArchNet Materials   Search Alphabetically A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Legal Notes Contact ArchNet