Sasanian music
Sasanian music encompasses the music of the Sasanian Empire, which existed from 224 to 651 CE. Many Sasanian Shahanshahs were enthusiastic supporters of music, including the founder of the empire Ardashir I and Bahram V. In particular, Khosrow II (r. 590–628) was an outstanding patron, his reign being regarded as a golden age of Persian music. Persian classical music dates to the sixth century BCE; during the time of the Achaemenid Empire (550–331 BCE), music played an important role in prayer and in royal and national events.