Papak

Papak is a middle-ranking prince of the ancient Persian realm, known primarily as the father of Ardashir I, the founder of the Sasanian Empire. The name is the Middle Persian form of Babak, itself meaning "little father" (from Persian بابک). In historical records, Papak is also referred to as Pabag or Bābak. He ruled the city of Stakhr, the capital of the province of Pars (Persis), from approximately 205 CE until his death between 207 and 210 CE. His role in preserving local independence during the waning years of the Parthian Empire set the stage for his son's eventual rise and the establishment of a new imperial dynasty.

Historical Background

Papak's realm was the southwestern Iranian region of Pars, the homeland of the Persians — descendants of the ancient Achaemenid Empire. After the conquests of Alexander the Great, Pars had been under the rule of local dynasties subject to the Hellenistic Seleucid Empire, and later the Parthian (Arsacid) Empire. The region's culture and religion, particularly the Zoroastrian faith, remained important even under foreign domination. Papak governed from Stakhr (Estakhr), in the shadow of the ruins of Persepolis, the Achaemenid ceremonial capital.

• Meaning: "Little father" (via Middle Persian Papak)
• Origin: Middle Persian; Iranian/Persian
• Type: Historical given name; primarily dynastic
• Usage regions: Ancient Persia (modern Iran)