NEWS & ANALYSIS

This article examines the ancient prototypes of proxy warfare through the rivalry between the Roman and Sasanian Persian empires during Late Antiquity. It explores how regional powers, including the Ghassanids, Lakhmids, Armenian aristocrats, and Caucasian rulers, contributed to imperial military strategy through frontier defense, intelligence gathering, diplomatic cooperation, and control of strategically important territories. The study analyzes the economic and logistical implications of these alliances, including financial subsidies, military obligations, transportation challenges, fortification costs, and the risks associated with relying on politically autonomous partners. By comparing Roman and Sasanian approaches to indirect power projection, the article demonstrates how regional alliances could extend imperial influence while creating persistent financial commitments and strategic vulnerabilities. It ultimately argues that ancient systems of indirect warfare did not eliminate the costs of military power but redistributed them across imperial governments, regional elites, and local communities.