The Parthian Empire was a major Iranian empire that ruled over Iran, Mesopotamia and neighbouring regions for nearly five centuries. It was founded by Arsaces I, the leader of the nomadic Parni tribe, who took control of a province of the Seleucid Empire. Under rulers such as Mithridates I, who captured Mesopotamia, it grew into a rival of the Roman Empire, which it defeated at the Battle of Carrhae. The Parthians were famous for their mounted archers, and their empire controlled a large part of the Silk Road trade between East and West. Its culture combined Iranian and Hellenistic elements. It was weakened by wars with Rome and internal rivalries and was overthrown by the Sasanian Persian ruler Ardashir I.
Before and after
- 3rd century BCEArchimedes' principle
- c. 250s BCEThe Hebrew Torah is translated into Greek at Alexandria
- c. 250 BCEEruption of Raoul Island
- 248 BCEConstruction of Terracotta Army
- from 247 BCE to 224 CEParthian Empire
- 247 BCEBirth of Hannibal
- c. 241 BCEEratosthenes measures the size of the Earth
- 241 BCEChinese astronomers record Halley's Comet
- from 240 BCE to 238 BCEMercenary War
More in Civilizations & archaeology
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- 600 BCEFounding of Milan
- 6th century BCEConstruction of Parthenon
- from January 27 BCE to January 395 CERoman Empire
- 81 CEConstruction of Colosseum
- 11 May 330 CEConstantine dedicates Constantinople
The era
This moment belongs to the Ancient civilizations (3,200 BCE to 500 CE), writing, cities and empires. You can also browse everything in the 3rd century BCE.