Classical Antiquity

Parthian-Sasanian Empire

247 BC – 476 AD · peak 250 AD

The Parthian Empire (247 BC – 224 AD), ruled by the Arsacid dynasty from Ctesiphon, was a major Iranian power that successfully checked Roman expansion, most notably at the Battle of Carrhae in 53 BC. They utilized highly mobile cataphracts and horse archers to dominate the Silk Road trade routes. The empire fell in 224 AD when Ardashir I overthrew the last Arsacid king to establish the Sassanid Empire.

Capital: Ctesiphon