The first ETHS talk was delivered by Dr. Pavel Lurje of State Hermitage Museum, Saint-Petersburg & Paris Institute for
Advanced Study on the subject of Ibn Khurdâdhbih’s “Books on Roads and Kingdoms” 17-18, and the Sasanian “Book of Thrones”. This presentation discussed a short passage from Ibn Khurradadbih’s geographical treatise in light of the political geography of the first Sasanian King of Kings. It will explore the possible content and organization of the lost Sasanian Gâhnâmag (Book of Thrones) and suggest that Ibn Khurdâdhbih’s passage may have been derived from this text. By including numismatic and archaeological evidence evidence, the presentation will make conclusions about the early Sasanian rule and issues such and the length of Kushan-Sasanian rule.