Khwarranzem
3rd-century Sasanian queen
About Khwarranzem
Khwarranzem (Middle Persian: Xwarranzēm) (also known as Chornanzem, Xwarnanzem) was a 3rd-century Sasanian queen (banbishn), married to Ardashir I or to Shapur I.
Biography The origins of her name is unknown, the name seems to suggest an Armenian or Georgian background. She is mentioned in Shapur I's inscription at the Ka'ba-ye Zartosht, where she is holding the title of shahr banbishn ("Queen of the empire"). According to the same inscription, she was the mother of a certain Gorazdukht.
Her husband is the subject of dispute amongst scholars; according to some, she was the wife of Ardashir I , whilst others suggests that she was the wife of Ardashir's son and successor Shapur I and the mother of the latter's son and heir Hormizd I . She may have been the same person as Gurdzad, who is mentioned as the wife of Shapur by the 10th-century historian Hamza al-Isfahani.
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Important facts
Frequently asked questions
Who was Khwarranzem?
3rd-century Sasanian queen
When was Khwarranzem born?
Khwarranzem was born in Caucasus.
What nationality was Khwarranzem?
Khwarranzem's recorded nationality: Sasanian Empire.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Khwarranzem. https://biography.guide/khwarranzem/
MLA: "Khwarranzem." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/khwarranzem/.
Chicago: "Khwarranzem." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/khwarranzem/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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