---
title: Map of the Parthian Empire in the 2nd Century
author: Simeon Netchev
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/16824/map-of-the-parthian-empire-in-the-2nd-century/
format: machine-readable-alternate
license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0)
updated: 2025-09-16
---

# Map of the Parthian Empire in the 2nd Century

_Authored by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/)_

## Image File

[![Map of the Parthian Empire in the 2nd Century](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/16824.png)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/16824.png)

## Image Caption

This map illustrates the Parthian Kingdom (c. 247 BCE–224 CE), also known as the Arsacid [Empire](https://www.worldhistory.org/empire/) after its ruling dynasty. Emerging on the northeastern fringes of the [Seleucid](https://www.worldhistory.org/Seleucid_Empire/) realm, the Parthians expanded their power as Seleucid control weakened, eventually dominating Iran, [Mesopotamia](https://www.worldhistory.org/Mesopotamia/), and parts of Central Asia. For almost five centuries they stood as one of the great powers of the ancient [Near East](https://www.worldhistory.org/Near_East/), balancing [Hellenistic](https://www.worldhistory.org/Hellenic_World/) legacies with Iranian traditions while challenging [Rome](https://www.worldhistory.org/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](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Parthia/). His successors consolidated the realm, and under Mithridates I (reign c. 171–132 BCE) the Parthians conquered [Media](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/media/) and Mesopotamia, transforming their kingdom into an empire. By the 1st century BCE, Parthia controlled vital sections of the [Silk Road](https://www.worldhistory.org/Silk_Road/) and emerged as Rome’s eastern rival, with hostilities beginning at the [Battle](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/battle/) of Carrhae (53 BCE) during [Crassus](https://www.worldhistory.org/Marcus_Licinius_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](https://www.worldhistory.org/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](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Death/) of Artabanus IV (r. 213–224 CE) in battle against [Ardashir I](https://www.worldhistory.org/Ardashir_I/) marked the end of Parthian rule and the rise of the [Sasanian Empire](https://www.worldhistory.org/Sasanian_Empire/), ushering in a new Persian dynasty.

#### Editorial Review

This human-authored image has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/).

## About the Author

Simeon is a freelance visual designer and history educator, passionate about the human stories that shape the past.
- [Linkedin Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/simeon-netchev/)

## Cite This Work

### APA
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
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
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/>.

## License & Copyright

Submitted by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/ "User Page: Simeon Netchev"), published on 16 December 2022. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0deed.en). This licence only allows others to download this content and share it with others as long as the author is credited, but they can't change the content in any way or use it commercially. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.