The Parthians ruled from 247 BCE to 224 CE creating a vast empire that stretched from the Mediterranean in the west to India and China in the east. East of the Caspian Sea there emerged from the steppe of Central Asia a nomadic Scythian tribe called the Parni. Later called the Parthians and taking over the Seleucid Empire and fending off the Romans, they established themselves as a superpower in their own right. With a unique and extremely successful fighting style, the vast area they conquered put them in contact with goods and cultural influences from different parts of their empire. From these influences, the Parthians not only blended architectural styles to make their own Parthian architecture but they also created their own unique Parthian art and dress.
More about: Parthia (Empire)8 days left
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Definition
Timeline
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247 BCE - 224 CEEmpire of the Parthians.
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141 BCEPersis passes from Seleucid to Parthian domination.
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129 BCEParthians conquer Mesopotamia. The Silk Road to China is now controlled by the Parthians.
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58 BCE - 57 BCECtesiphon becomes Parthian capital during the reign of Orodes II.
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53 BCEBattle of Carrhae. Crassus is captured and executed by the Parthians.
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19 BCEArch of Augustus built in Rome to commemorate victory over the Parthians.
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52 CEParthian king Vologases I invades Armenia.
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58 CE - 63 CERoman-Parthian War.
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114 CERoman emperor Trajan annexes Armenia and declares war on Parthia.
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161 CE - c. 166 CEParthian Wars with Rome; Lucius Verus commands Rome's forces in the field.
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195 CEFirst Parthian war.
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197 CE - 198 CESecond Parthian war.
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203 CEThe Arch of Septimius Severus is built in Rome's Forum Romanum to commemorate victories over the Parthians.
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c. 211 CEArdashir, king (malakh) of Persis, revolts against the Parthians and founds the Sasanian Empire.
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224 CESasanians overthrow the Parthians.