Shapur II was the Sasanian king of Persia who reigned for about 70 years, beginning in infancy.
He was born in 309 CE, after the death of his father, Hormizd II. According to later tradition, nobles proclaimed the unborn child king before his birth. Shapur therefore became ruler as an infant, while powerful court officials governed during his early years.
Once he assumed effective control, Shapur II became one of the strongest Sasanian monarchs. He fought repeated wars against the Roman Empire, especially over Armenia and Mesopotamia, and also campaigned against Arab tribes and the Kushans. His reign included the Roman defeat at the Battle of Singara and the capture of the city of Amida in 359.
Shapur II died in 379 CE. His reign is often described as the longest in Sasanian history and one of the longest recorded reigns by any monarch. He should not be confused with Shapur I, the earlier Sasanian king who captured the Roman emperor Valerian.