Empires and Microsystems: Late Antiquity Regional Economy in Central and West Asia, 500--750

The dissertation is concerned with the economic history of the Sasanian Empire of Iran in the period between 500--750 CE. The issue of the production economy of the Sasanian realm, particularly agricultural production and related issues, including irrigation and adoption of new crops are among those addressed in the present work. Methodologically, considering the generalizations commonly associated with the study of ancient and pre-modern political entities such as the Sasanian Empire, the present work takes a regional approach to the issue. Consequently, two regions of Khuzestan, in southwestern Iran, and Bactria/Tokharistan, in northern Afghanistan, are chosen for the purpose of inquiry.;Three hypotheses are presented to be tested and addressed in the research. These are: (1) late Sasanian economy was undergoing change, in form of a move towards commercialization, (2) these changes were successfully adopted by the incoming Islamic Empire, and (3) by studying the economies of individuals regions within the Sasanian realm prior to the arrival of Islam, we can understand the elements of this change and transformation.;Using archaeological and narrative sources, the available information about the agricultural activities, irrigations systems, and imperial investments in these two regions are presented. Issues of the dating of the sites, foundation of urban centers, and the numismatic evidence are addressed, attempting to understand the economic conditions during the period of concern (sixth to the eighth centuries CE). In case of Bactria, a collection of newly found and published documents, dubbed the Bactrian Economic Documents, are also used to present the available information for a region within Bactria.;The available information thus suggest that during the later Sasanian period, boundaries of economic activity and change did not necessary match the political boundaries. Economic change and adaptation was taking place individually within each region, and by addressing local political and socio-economic issues, while in general direction, both economics presented evidence of growth and expansion.