Monnaie - Bronze, Phraatès IV, Élymaïde, Incertain - btv1b10313734h (1 of 2)

Parthia was an ancient Iranian civilization and empire located in the northeastern region of modern-day Iran and parts of Iraq. It rose to prominence in the 3rd century BCE, emerging as a major power in the Near East and challenging the authority of the Seleucid Empire. Parthia's capital city, initially Hecatompylos and later Ctesiphon, became centers of trade and culture. The Parthian Empire is best known for its skilled cavalry, particularly the feared Parthian horse archers who revolutionized warfare with their ability to shoot arrows while riding at full gallop, executing the famous "Parthian shot." Parthian rulers often engaged in conflicts with the Roman Republic and later the Roman Empire, resulting in significant military campaigns and territorial disputes along their shared borders. Parthia's influence extended over a vast territory, encompassing parts of Central Asia, the Caucasus, and Mesopotamia. The empire reached its zenith under rulers like Mithridates I (r. 171–138 BCE) and Orodes II (r. 57–37 BCE). However, internal strife, conflicts with Rome, and pressure from neighboring powers such as the Sassanian Empire eventually led to Parthia's decline. In the 3rd century CE, the Parthian Empire fell to the rising Sassanian dynasty, marking the end of Parthian rule and the beginning of a new era in Iranian history. Despite its eventual collapse, Parthia played a significant role in shaping the political landscape of the ancient Near East and influencing subsequent empires in the region.