ADERGOUDOUNBADES, a kanārang (eastern border margrave) appointed by the Sasanian king Kavād (r. 488-531 A.D.). He is mentioned only in the Persian Wars of Procopius; the form of his name given by that historian may represent *Ādurgundbad, an abbreviation of Ādurgušnaspbad. He succeeded his relative Gousanastades ( = Gušnaspdad?), who was executed by order of the king (Procopius 1.6.18). As Ḵosrow I moved to secure the succession, he wished to eliminate a rival in the person of his nephew Kavād (Cabades), who was the son of King Kavād’s second eldest son Zames (Procopius 1.23.4). The prince Kavād was, however, under the kanārang’s protection. Ḵosrow plotted the official’s murder with the help of the latter’s son, Vahrām (Varrames); this was carried out as Ḵosrow returned from campaigning on the northwest frontier. Vahrām was rewarded with his father’s office. Prince Kavād (or else someone assuming his identity) fled westward and was welcomed at the Byzantine court (Procopius 1.23.23).
Bibliography:
See also Justi, Namenbuch, p. 4b.
(R. N. Frye)
Originally Published: December 15, 1983
Last Updated: July 22, 2011
This article is available in print.
Vol. I, Fasc. 5, p. 456
R. N. Frye, “ADERGOUDOUNBADES,” Encyclopædia Iranica, I/5, p. 456; an updated version is available online at http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/adergoudounbades-a-kanarang-eastern-border-margrave-appointed-by-the-sasanian-king-kavad-r (accessed on 7 February 2014).
