Page:The Age Of Justinian And Theodora Vol II (1912).pdf/41

 subsist by agriculture, the Persians adopted the usual expedient, in this age, of imposing a poll-tax.

The Sassanian Empire did not distinguish itself in the realm of art; and the scanty remains which have been discovered indicate that their architectural productions owed much to Byzantine co-operation. As temple worship was a minor feature of the Zoroastrian religion, which consisted almost wholly in forms of private devotion, no ruins pertaining to buildings of that class have been found; but in several places portions of dilapidated palaces exist, which enable us to estimate accurately the artistic proficiency of the Sassanians. The residence of the Shahinshah was a quadrangular edifice built around a central court. Externally the walls were diversified by two or three superimposed rows of slender columns, those rising from the ground being much taller than the upper ranges. The distinctive part of the architectural design was an arched entrance, wide and lofty,