This map illustrates the Parthian Kingdom (c. 247 BCE–224 CE), also known as the Arsacid Empire after its ruling dynasty. Emerging on the northeastern fringes of the Seleucid realm, the Parthians expanded their power as Seleucid control weakened, eventually dominating Iran, Mesopotamia, and parts of Central Asia. For almost five centuries they stood as one of the great powers of the ancient Near East, balancing Hellenistic legacies with Iranian traditions while challenging Rome for supremacy in the East.
The Parthian state was founded by Arsaces I (reign c. 247–211 BCE), leader of the Parni tribe, who seized control of Parthia. His successors consolidated the realm, and under Mithridates I (reign c. 171–132 BCE) the Parthians conquered Media and Mesopotamia, transforming their kingdom into an empire. By the 1st century BCE, Parthia controlled vital sections of the Silk Road and emerged as Rome’s eastern rival, with hostilities beginning at the Battle of Carrhae (53 BCE) during Crassus’ failed campaign. Later rulers such as Orodes II, Phraates IV, and Artabanus II maintained the empire through shifting alliances, control over client kingdoms like Armenia, and recurring wars with Rome. Despite their powerful cavalry and feudal structure, internal strife and dynastic conflicts weakened the Arsacids. The defeat and death of Artabanus IV (r. 213–224 CE) in battle against Ardashir I marked the end of Parthian rule and the rise of the Sasanian Empire, ushering in a new Persian dynasty.
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Cite This Work
APA Style
Netchev, S. (2022, December 16). Map of the Parthian Empire in the 2nd Century. World History Encyclopedia. https://www.worldhistory.org/image/16824/map-of-the-parthian-empire-in-the-2nd-century/
Chicago Style
Netchev, Simeon. "Map of the Parthian Empire in the 2nd Century." World History Encyclopedia, December 16, 2022. https://www.worldhistory.org/image/16824/map-of-the-parthian-empire-in-the-2nd-century/.
MLA Style
Netchev, Simeon. "Map of the Parthian Empire in the 2nd Century." World History Encyclopedia, 16 Dec 2022, https://www.worldhistory.org/image/16824/map-of-the-parthian-empire-in-the-2nd-century/.
