(10th shahr of 25). The establishment of Sasanian predominance in the Cacasus provided an added weapon against Rome. In Iberia, the dynasty of governors (bidakhsh, pitiakhsh) established at Harmozica (Armazi) protected the route along the Kur and also the northerly route along the Aragus (Aragvi) to the Darial pass- the Iberian/Caucasus/Alan Gates. Beyond, says Strabo, lay "the country of the nomads" (11.3.5). At this point, penetration of the nomads could be barred. However, as pressure from the Hun tribes mounted from the late 4th century, the payment of subsidies must have formed an equally important defense (see Procopius, Wars 8.11.22-5; Anecdota 2.29; 8.5-6; 11.5). The Huns also proved useful auxiliaries, as in Khusrau I's Lazic War. But, though he admitted Hun tribes, to Khusrau is also attributed the fortification of several sites around Tiflis- Gardman, Sughdabil, and al-Lal. By that time a substantial number of Iranians were settled in this region; Khusrau's imposition of direct rule had probably brought numerous civilians, along with troops and officials. Thus the tradition of St. Eustace depicts Persian shoemakers living in Mtskheta, observing their own religion and customs. Some of these immigrants to the empire's frontier may have been adapting to the local culture when they converted to Christianity.

-The Cambridge History of Iran, vol. 3(2): The Seleucid, Parthian, and Sasanian Periods, ed. Ehsan Yarshater (NY: Cambridge UP, 1983), 764.