How Yazdgerd III Ascend to the Throne? (Study of Historical Sources with Emphasis on Shahnameh)

Most of the Arabic-Persian and other sources have dealt with Yazdgerd III coronation. There are much confusion and inconsistency in these sources. In this study, the historical data and details of these sources have been measured and analyzed, as well as their differences and similarities. Shahnameh is one of the sources in the history of Sassanids. Ferdowsi, trustworthily, versified the history of the Sasanid era, which embodies most of the details of events. Some iranologists insist on the historical aspect of Shahnameh, while others have considered Shahnameh as non-historical. In this part, Ferdowsi has constantly been loyal to his source (Abu Mansouri Shahnameh), and despite all the limitations in rhythm, poetic language, and narrative-fictional framework, he has versified the details trustworthily. Many data in sources are also present in Shahnameh, and some data have been reported only in Shahnameh. Ferdowsi has recorded the date of Yazdgerd coronation, which others have neglected. Arabs attack and instability are obvious at the beginning of the Yazdgerd reign. The attitude presented in Khodaynameh has entered Shahnameh through a mediator and has refined it from non-Iranian lookouts. This research can make the stand of Shahnameh more valid and prominent and can be beneficial for other researches in this field.