Editing Yazdegerd I (section)

== Relations with the Eastern Roman Empire ==
[[Image:Arcadius - RIC IX 51 - 777957.jpg|thumb|alt=Obverse and reverse sides of a coin of Arcadius|[[Solidus (coin)|Solidus]] of [[Arcadius]] ({{reign|383|408}})]]
During Yazdegerd I's rule, his western neighbours in the [[Eastern Roman Empire]] were in turmoil; while experiencing a civil war, their territory in the Balkans was attacked by the [[Ostrogoths]], and rebellion was occurring amongst their [[Franks|Frankish]] subjects and the eastern provinces.{{sfn|Shahbazi|2003}} Instead of exploiting the empire's weakened state, Yazdegerd I had Roman Christian prisoners who were saved after an Iranian victory over the [[Huns]] returned to Roman territory.{{sfn|Shahbazi|2003}} The Roman emperor [[Arcadius]] ({{reign|383|408}}) asked Yazdegerd for aid to guarantee the succession of his young son, [[Theodosius II|Theodosius]], as a result of the shah's generosity.{{sfn|Shahbazi|2003}}{{sfn|Edwell|2013|p=850}}

This account is only mentioned by the 6th-century Roman historian [[Procopius]] and was questioned by his fellow Roman historian [[Agathias]], who wrote that the report was "on the lips" of "Roman commoners and aristocrats alike"{{sfn|McDonough|2008|p=132}} but was absent from contemporary sources.{{sfn|Edwell|2013|p=850}} Yazdegerd I agreed to act as Theodosius' protector, however, and threatened to wage war against whoever sought to put him in danger.{{sfn|Edwell|2013|p=850}}{{sfn|Shahbazi|2003}} According to Procopius, "Loyally observing the behests of Arcadius, [Yazdegerd] adopted and continued without interruption a policy of profound peace with the Romans, and thus preserved the empire for Theodosius."{{sfn|Shahbazi|2003}} The shah sent [[Antiochus (praepositus sacri cubiculi)|Antiochus]], "a most remarkable and highly educated advisor and instructor", to educate Theodosius.{{sfn|Shahbazi|2003}}