Sassanica varia Palaestiniensia: A Sassanian seal from T. Iscombining dot belowtaba, Israel, and other Sassanian objects from the southern Levant

Though limited in scope, archaeological evidence indicating connections between Sassanian Iran and Byzantine Palestine are attested. In the past, this discussion has been limited primarily to the physical evidence of the Sassanian conquest of Palestine in 614 CE. As I have noted though, additional, albeit sparse, archaeological evidence does exist, primarily small objects. Needless to say, though we have attempted to collect all such evidence, additional objects indicating such connections may exist. I do believe though that even if additional items are added to the list above, the overall picture will remain the same. Unfortunately, based of the quantity, dispersal, types, as well as the dates of the contexts of the various objects, I do not think it is prudent to relate them to a specific historical scenario. Though it is tempting to tie these objects to the most conspicuous historical event, the Persian conquest and occupation of 614-628 CE, other scenarios are no less probable, and in some cases, preferable. Trade, immigration and other modes of connections are likely candidates. In all probability, these objects reached the southern Levant due to one or more of the various modes of Sassanian/Byzantine contact that were surveyed above. To determine precisely to which of these the objects are to be related, appears though to be beyond our present capability.