Zoroastrian Persia

the Sassanids defeat the Arab invaders and prevent their expansion eastward. Zoroastrianism was the Sassanid state religion, so over time it would become more and more entrenched in Persia, although with Nestorian influence.
 
Huge butterflies

the Sassanids defeat the Arab invaders and prevent their expansion eastward. Zoroastrianism was the Sassanid state religion, so over time it would become more and more entrenched in Persia, although with Nestorian influence.

This could, in effect, alter much of the religious history of Asia and Africa.
 
End war with Eastern Roman Empire and later Byzantine Empire, increase trade with West and East. Reinforced and strengthen border areas, more forts, and stopping the invasions of Persia by Steppes Tribes in 400's. Increase size of government and local cities, not just capital.


Orion
 
I think so long as you’re able to thwart the initial Arab attempts at conquest it stands to reason that Persia stands a decent chance of never converting. However to do this your going to need to have their war with Byzantium end much earlier so that both sides aren’t at the point of collapse and will have more time to recover. Personally I think you need to have Heraclius overthrow Phocas as soon as possible which probably result in an earlier Roman win. I say this because I see Chosroes II attempting to annex far more territory than Persia could reasonably handle. If that happens I think they’ll find their situation not significantly better from OTL when the Arabs come knocking. All this assumes you’d rather avoid the cliché of simply having Islam stillborn.
 
I think so long as you’re able to thwart the initial Arab attempts at conquest it stands to reason that Persia stands a decent chance of never converting. However to do this your going to need to have their war with Byzantium end much earlier so that both sides aren’t at the point of collapse and will have more time to recover. Personally I think you need to have Heraclius overthrow Phocas as soon as possible which probably result in an earlier Roman win. I say this because I see Chosroes II attempting to annex far more territory than Persia could reasonably handle. If that happens I think they’ll find their situation not significantly better from OTL when the Arabs come knocking. All this assumes you’d rather avoid the cliché of simply having Islam stillborn.

Draco

Wouldn't it be simpler if you avoid Phocas's revolt in the 1st place. That maintains good relations between Maurice's dynasty and Chosroes's. Won't in the longer term avoid the rivalry and conflict but could keep it in check for the key time when the Arab/Islamic initial surge occurs.

Steve
 
Draco

Wouldn't it be simpler if you avoid Phocas's revolt in the 1st place. That maintains good relations between Maurice's dynasty and Chosroes's. Won't in the longer term avoid the rivalry and conflict but could keep it in check for the key time when the Arab/Islamic initial surge occurs.

Steve
The problem lies in the fact that Maurice and Chosroes aren’t exactly pillars for maintaining the status quo. Maurice had the nasty habit of taking being a tight ass to the extreme. While certainly not a bad trait to have in moderation however in his case he took it a ways past a bit too far and it proved to be his undoing. Having his troops’ winter in the field was just the proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back. Therefore I’d place it within betting odds that even if he avoids that particular blunder it’ll just be something else that does him in sooner or later as tends to happen to Emperors’ who go around regularly screwing over their own troops.
As for Chosroes not only was he a megalomaniac and Maurice’s opposite as far as spending goes he had a rocky accession. All this adds up to him attacking the Romans at some point either for his ego or simply as a distraction to help him preserve his throne. And since the whole point is to have both nations in better shape that OTL when the Arabs come knocking delaying the conflict is counter productive.
 
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