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The Sasanians, who ruled Iran and adjacentcountries from AD 226 to 651 ,played a major role in the trade of Asia. The 'Silk. Road' from China to the West passed through their territory, giving them control of some of the busiest trade routes in Asia. Just as the establishment of the Pax Tartarica stimulated the caravan trade of the thirteenth century, so the Widespread authority exercised by the Sasanians encouraged commerce by enabling merchants to cover large parts oftheirjourneys in comparative safety. Caravans were directed to official crossing-points and the duty collected on goods in transit contributed to the wealth of Sasanian rulers (Jones 1970)

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