Ifra Hormizd
Ifra Hormizd or Faraya Ohrmazd was a Sassanid noblewoman, spouse of Hormizd II and mother of Shapur II. She was the regent during the minority of her son between 309 and 325.
Following the death of Hormizd, and the crisis of succession that followed, the noblemen of the country decided to hand over power to the last child of Hormizd, who had not yet been born of Ifra. Thus, the crown was placed on Ifra's belly, and she ruled over the country with nobles from 309 until the adulthood of her son, Shapur, who was declared mature to rule himself at age sixteen in 325.
Etymology
There isn't much information about Ifra Hormizd's name, and only Jewish sources mentioned her name. Theodor Nöldeke also finds the name "Ifra" unclear.It may be related to the word "Afiryon", often translated as grace, and would thus be a title similar to "Her Grace".
Life
Ifra Hormizd had a Jewish father and a mother who was at least half-Jewish, though she converted to Christianity later. There have been many accounts throughout history of her friendly relations and cooperation with the Jews at the court in achieving their goals. She was discussed in five separate chapters of the Talmud. The Talmud represents Ifra as a queen with a significant interest in and dedication to Judaism, at least for a time.According to the Nestorian chronicle, the father of Shapur II's mother was also Jewish. According to a corresponding chronicle, Ifra Hormizd was converted to Christianity by Shemon Bar Sabbae and this may have been one of the reasons for the execution of Shemon. Note that there was a period of persecution of Christians during the reign of Shapur II.