Parthia Verses Rome Maps
The Romans and Parthians fought a series of wars beginning with Crassus' invasion in 52-53 BC and ending with Macrinus' ignominious defeat and retreat in 217 AD. During this time it became clear to both sides that a natural boundary existed in northern Mesopotamia beyond which it was difficult, if not impossible, for either side to maintain a permanent foothold. The Parthians were generally less aggressive than the Romans, and generally sought to maintain the status-quo, particularly with regard to Armenia, in part because they were nearly constantly engaged in suppressing internal rebellions, fighting civil wars, or defending their eastern borders. The Romans invaded Parthian territory under Crassus, Mark Anthony, Nero, Trajan, Lucius Verus, Marcus Aurelius, Septimius Severus, Caracalla and Macrinus. The only lasting result of these invasions was the takeover of part of northern Mesopotamia by Trajan in 116 AD, a permanent loss to Parthia which was enlarged under Lucius Verus in 165 AD.

Parthia vs Rome I
The traditional border between Rome and Parthia, lasting until Trajan's invasion.

Parthia vs Rome II
Changes in the border brought on by first Trajan and, later, by Lucius Verus.

Parthia vs Rome III
Parthian invasion routes into Roman territory, including Armenia.

Parthia vs Rome IV
Roman invasion routes into Parthian territory, including major battle sites.

Arsacid Empire Overview
Arsacid Dynasty: 238 BC - 224AD
The overview of The Arsacid Parthian Empire of Iran. Parthians primarily pushed the Greeks and Macedonians out of Iran and put an end to the Greek occupational government of Seleucids. This was the end point to the Alexander's Hellenistic and Seleucids Period. Later on Arsacids gotten involved with a new enemy, The Roman Empire and successfully pushed them out of Persian Territories. Arsacids Dynasty is basically the reason that Iran regained its independence from Greeks, and safe-kept it from the Romans! The First Persian-Roman conflict and contact was during "Ashk IX: Mithradates II" The Great's period.

Asak (near Quchan), was the capital of "Ashk I: Arsaces I" (Arashk), the Head of Arsacid (Ashkanid) Dynasty. Arashk held his coronation on 250 BC and died in a battle with Bactriana (Bakhtar) State, which just claimed independence from Iran. Arashk died in the battle but Bactriana's independence did not last long, Ashks made sure that she would return to The Mother Persia soon!

Hecatompylos (near Damqan), was the capital of "Ashk II: Tirdates I". The city was famous for its amazing architectural aspects. Heart of Arsacid Empire: All Arsacid's important Cities were located at South of Caspians, Semnan and North of Khorasan states. The Arsacid Empire lasted from 238 BC to 224 AD, about 462 years of pure Mitra Power (Sun Goddess), which was the Ancient Arsacid Philosophy.

Arsacid (Ashkanid) Empire (238 BC - 224 AD)

Arsacid Empire during "Ashk I: Arsaces I" (Arashk), 238-247 BC The head and starter of Arsacid Dynasty and later on his brother "Ashk II: Tirdates I", 247-211 BC. Arsacid Empire greatly expanded during Tirdates I. The head of Arsacid Dynasty Arashk chose Asak (near Quchan) as his capital and held his coronation in Asak.

Arsacid Empire during "Ashk IX: Mithradates II" The Great.
Arsacid Parthian Empire was at its greatest extent. Arsacid Emperors used the title word of "Ashk" which was the root of the word Ashkanid (Arsacid). Therefore Arsacid Emperors had a title and then their name; basically the written form of their name was: "title number: name number", for example: "Ashk IX: Mithradates II". Arsacid Parthian Empire was at its greatest extent during "Ashk IX: Mithradates II" The Great. This map is the boundaries of Arsacid Empire during "Ashk IX: Mithradates II" The Great.

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