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UPSC » UPSC CSE Study Materials » Ancient History » Parthians

Parthians

Are you willing to understand the culture and history of Parthians? Then this article is for you. Learn about more such concepts as the historical background of Parthians, art and culture of the Parthian empire, economy and trade of Parthians, the Parthia region, the end of the Parthian empire, etc.

Table of Content
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The Parthian empire was considered a major political power from 247 BC to 224 AD in Iran. Along with this, there was a region named Parthia. 

The Parthia region was captured by the Meded empire in the 7th century BC. Not only this, but this region was merged with the Achaemenid empire ruled by Cyrus the Great in the 6th century BC.

Further, the Parthia region acted as the political as well as cultural base of the Eastern-Iranian Parni people along with the Arsacid dynasty. The Sasanian Empire, which is considered the last state of pre-Islamic Iran, also captured the region. The empire also maintained the seven Parthian clans.

Historical background of Parthians

The Parthians took control from 247 BC to 224 AD. The Parthian empire was vast. The Parthian empire stretched from the Mediterranean in India to China. A nomadic Scythian tribe was discovered in the east of the Caspian Sea named Parni. Further, the tribe was called Parthians. Parthians took control over the Seleucid empire and introduced themselves as a hugely powerful empire. 

The Parthians interacted with good and distinctive empires as their unique fighting style was used to impress everyone. Further, Parthians not only established their architecture but their Parthian art and outfit also. 

The trick to Parthian victories was their different utilization of a bow and a horse. Parthian tactics were great to counter the troop movements of other countries. 

Later, Parthians established their government to supervise the citizens. Parthians excelled in every aspect later. Parthians began trading with different nations. Parthians used to call themselves ‘king of kings’. 

Art & Culture

The Parthians had a huge range of sources as their influences in art and culture. The major reason behind this was that the Parthian empire originated from Central Asia. 

Uniformity was given more priority in the clothing in the Parthian empire. The belted tunic, as well as the trouser-suit, received more popularity at the end of the 1st century BCE. Along with this, loose-fitted clothing consisting of numerous pleats also gained fame. 

The personal look of Parthians involved a puffed hairdo of medium hair length protected with a hairband. The Parthians used to have lengthy moustaches with detailed groomed beards. 

Economic condition and Trade

The commercial growth of Parthians began with the infrastructure. This infrastructure was inherited by the Parthians by the Seleucid empire. The Parthians secured the roads and cities that Seleucids provided them. 

One of the most precious possessions of Parthians was the Royal Road. The royal road helped Parthians to solidify their position in the form of international traders. Further, Parthians began trading with China too. 

Conclusion

The Parthian empire was considered a major political power from 247 BC to 224 AD in Iran. Along with this, there was a region named Parthia. This region was captured by the Meded empire in the 7th century BC. The Parthians took control from 247 BC to 224 AD. The Parthian empire was vast. The Parthian empire stretched from the Mediterranean in India to China. A nomadic Scythian tribe was discovered in the east of the Caspian Sea named Parni. The trick to Parthian victories was their different utilization of a bow and a horse. Parthian tactics were great to counter the troop movements of other countries. The personal look of Parthians involved a puffed hairdo of medium hair length protected with a hairband. The Parthians used to have lengthy moustaches with detailed groomed beards. One of the most precious possessions of Parthians was the Royal Road. The royal road helped Parthians to solidify their position in the form of international traders.

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Frequently asked questions

Get answers to the most common queries related to the UPSC Examination Preparation.

Name the founder of Parthians?

The Indo-Parthian Kingdom was considered a Parthian kingdom. The Parthian kingdom was established by Gondophares. Th...Read full

Mention the empire that defeated the Parthian empire?

The Parthian empire was defeated by the Roman emperor Trajan in 113 AD. Trajan successfully defeated The Parthian em...Read full

What was the size of the Parthian army?

The Parthian army consisted of 50,000 soldiers. Every division of the Parthian army was specialized on its own and p...Read full

Name the last king of the Parthian empire.

The last king of the Parthian empire was ArtaBanus V, who ruled from AD 213 to 224 within Southwest Asia. Artabanus ...Read full

State the capital of the Parthian kingdom?

The capital of the Parthian empire was Tusbun. Tusbun was situated in the southeastern part of Baghdad. Tusbun was c...Read full

The Indo-Parthian Kingdom was considered a Parthian kingdom. The Parthian kingdom was established by Gondophares. The Gondophares took control over multiple nations, including Iran, China, and some parts of Pakistan and Afghanistan.

 

The Parthian empire was defeated by the Roman emperor Trajan in 113 AD. Trajan successfully defeated The Parthian empire due to the creation of Eastern conquests. Further, Trajan successfully captured the Parthian kingdom.

The Parthian army consisted of 50,000 soldiers. Every division of the Parthian army was specialized on its own and portrayed an image of an eagle, dragon, etc.

The last king of the Parthian empire was ArtaBanus V, who ruled from AD 213 to 224 within Southwest Asia. Artabanus V was known to be the younger son of Vologases v. Artabanus V lost his life in a battle where his son-in-law Ardashir killed him. This resulted in the end of the Parthian empire. 

The capital of the Parthian empire was Tusbun. Tusbun was situated in the southeastern part of Baghdad. Tusbun was considered the winter capital of Parthians. Later, Tusbun served as the capital of the Sasanian Kingdom. 

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