Arsacid Dynasty
The Arsacid Dynasty, also known as the Parthian Empire, emerged as a significant power in ancient Iran, particularly in the region of Parthia, which corresponds to modern Khorāsān. Founded by Arsaces, the dynasty is known for its expansion across the Iranian plateau and into Mesopotamia, effectively displacing the Seleucid Empire. The Parthians engaged in numerous confrontations with the Romans, particularly after their notable victory at the Battle of Carrhae in 53 BCE, as both empires vied for control over northern Mesopotamia and Armenia. The rulers of this dynasty often used the name "Arsaces" on their coins, leading to some challenges in identifying individual leaders, as they were often recognized by distinctive features or attire.
The culture of the Parthians was heavily influenced by their nomadic heritage, reflected in their clothing and artistic styles, which gained popularity in the Near East. The kingdom was characterized by a feudal system, with numerous nobles and vassal kings vying for power, yet members of the Arsacid family maintained control over various regions. Initially, the dynasty's coins featured Greek inscriptions, reflecting a strategy to connect with the Hellenized populations they encountered. However, over time, Aramaic began to appear on their currency and inscriptions. The dynasty faced decline due to internal strife and external pressures, culminating in the rise of the Sāsānian Empire under Ardashīr I in 224 CE, although the Arsacid legacy continued in Armenia.
Arsacid Dynasty
Related civilizations: Seleucid Dynasty, Republican and Imperial Rome, Greco-Bactrian Kushan.
Date: c. 247 b.c.e.-224 c.e.
Locale: Parthia, present Turkmenistan and Iran with Iraq
Arsacid Dynasty
The name of the first ruler Arsaces became the hallmark of the Arsacid (AHR-sah-seed) Dynasty on its coins. The Romans called the group Parthians after their homeland in ancient Parthia, later Khorāsān. The Parthians slowly expanded over the Iranian plateau and Mesopotamia, replacing the Seleucids. After the disastrous defeat of the Romans at Carrhae in 53 b.c.e., the Parthians and Romans fought many battles for possession of northern Mesopotamia and Armenia.
Parthian costumes, especially trousers based on their nomadic background, became the style in the Near East as did their art. Because the dynasty’s rulers all used the name or title Arsaces on their coins, it is difficult to identify them. Individuals can be recognized only by outstanding features or headdress. The Parthian kingdom had a feudal aspect with many nobles or vassal kings, who at times contended for supreme power. Members of the Arsacid family, however, maintained appanages in various parts of the realm.
Until the beginning of the common era, the Arsacid rulers used Greek on their coins, at times with the legend philhellene, probably to conciliate the Hellenized population of the cities they conquered, such as Seleucia on the Tigris. In the last two centuries of their rule, the word “Parthian” can be found written in an Aramaic alphabet on the group’s coins as well as in inscriptions.
Under Trajan and later Lucius Septimius Severus, the Parthian capital Ctesiphon, near Seleucia, was sacked, and disputes among Parthian contenders for the throne weakened the dynasty. The last king, Artabanus V, was defeated by Ardashīr I, a vassal from the southern province of Persis (modern Fārs), who, in 224 c.e., founded the Sāsānian Empire. Only in Armenia did Arsacids continue to rule.
Bibliography
Colledge, M. A. R. Parthian Art. London: Thames and Hudson, 1977.
Debevoise, N. C. A Political History of Parthia. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1938.
Frye, Richard N. History of Ancient Iran. Munich: C. H. Beck, 1984.
Wolski, J. “L’Empire des Arsacides.” Acta Iranica 32 (1993).