Argbadh (from the words Arg meaning "castle" or "fortress" and the suffix -ban meaning guardian) were a class of military commanders in charge of castles and fortresses of the Sassanid Empire of Persia (Iran) between 3rd and 7th centuries CE.

Argbadhs were granted their command by the Sassanian emperor (Shahanshah) and were responsible for maintaining the security of their area of operation (usually a trading post, military fortress, or city), fighting the encroaching nomadic tribes such as Bedouin Arabs, White Huns and Oghuz Turks, and resisting the advances of settled enemies such as Romans and Kushans.

Sassanid Shahanshah (king of kings) usually selected Argbahs from Bozorgan, Persian noble families who held the most powerful positions in the imperial administration. This rank, like most imperial administration, was mostly patrimonial, and was passed down through a single family for generations. In many ways, Persian Argbadhs had the same function and status as medieval Castellans.

Notes

See also

• Spahbod Sassanid commandership rank
• Sassanid army

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