| | History of Iran: The Early Years of Sassanid Empire and Religious Turmoil in Persia |
 | | Various religions remained in Ardashir's empire, adhered to by people who had, under previous rulers, acquired the habit of worshiping as they pleased and the habit of running their affairs in accordance with their religious laws, so long as they paid their taxes. |
 | | Manichaeanism was criticized for not identifying itself with the Sassanid Empire, and Persia's landed elite saw Manichaeanism as a threat because its power base was people of the cities and merchants. |
 | | In the Roman Empire, however, which was often at war with the Sassanids, the Manichaeans continued to be seen as representatives of a foreign power and as dangerous aliens. |
| www.iranchamber.com /history/articles/sassanids_religious_turmoil.php (3148 words) |