Ctesiphon was an ancient city and trade center on the east bank of the Tigris River founded during the reign of Mithridates I (the Great, 171-132 BCE). It is best known in the modern day for the single-span arch, Taq Kasra, which is the most impressive aspect of the city's ruins.
More about: Ctesiphon17th Anniversary Fundraiser
Celebrate our 17th anniversary with an anniversary gift to support free history education around the world!
$2104 / $5000
Definition
Timeline
-
171 BCE - 132 BCECtesiphon is founded in the reign of Mithridates I (the Great) of Parthia.
-
58 BCE - 57 BCECtesiphon becomes Parthian capital during the reign of Orodes II.
-
197 CECtesiphon sacked by Septimus Severus and left in ruin.
-
224 CE - 240 CECtesiphon rebuilt during the reign of Ardashir I; becomes capital of Sassanian Empire.
-
233 CEThe Battle of Ctesiphon; Sassanian army defeats invading Roman forces.
-
262 CE - 266 CEOdaenathus expels Persian garrisons and restores Syria and Armenia to the Roman Empire. Odaenathus invades Mesopotamia, and inflicts two defeats upon Shapur I, which ends with the sack of Ctesiphon.
-
637 CECtesiphon falls to invading Muslim Arab armies; afterwards its materials are used to build Baghdad.
