ARDASHIR II

flourished 4th century king of the Sasanian empire in ancient Persia (reigned AD 379383). During the reign of his brother Shapur II, he had been king of Adiabene (now a region of northeast Iraq), where he took part in the persecution of Christians. After Shapur's death, he was set on the throne by the nobles, presumably at an advanced age. His investiture is commemorated in a rock carving at Taq-e Bostan. His attempts to assert himself were futile, and he was soon deposed.