This volume provides a comprehensive overview of the history and culture of the Parthian Empire, which existed for almost 500 years from 247 BC to 224 AD.

The Parthians were Rome's great opponents in the east, but comparatively little is known about them. The Parthians focuses on the rise, expansion, flowering and decline of the Parthian Empire and covers both the wars with the Romans in the west and the nomads in the east. Sources include the small amount from the Empire itself, as well as those from outside the Parthian world, such as Greek, Roman and Chinese documents. Ellerbrock also explores the Parthian military, social history, religions, art, architecture and numismatics, all supported by a great number of images and maps.

The Parthians is an invaluable resource for those studying the Ancient Near East during the period of the Parthian Empire, as well as for more general readers interested in this era.

About the Author

Uwe Ellerbrock has been studying the Parthian Empire for more than 30 years. His book Die Parther, written with archaeologist Sylvia Winkelmann, was published in 2012 (revised edition 2015).

Reviews

"This book is a welcome introductory account of the society, culture, and impact of the traditionally much neglected and maligned Parthians in English. It does not address one common narrative or time period, but rather it addresses the entirety of the Parthians' long history (middle third century BCE to early third century CE) and the evolution of their society from migrants on the Central Asian steppe to world imperialists... Ellerbrock has published an engaging and important work long overdue and much needed for an anglophone audience. This book will quickly become a leading reference for scholars and students interested in the society and culture of the Parthians. No doubt it will help create further awareness of the Parthians as a great and accomplished civilization and stimulate further debate about their place in world history." - Nikolaus Overtoom, Ancient History Bulletin

Book Information
ISBN 9780367473099
Author Uwe Ellerbrock
Format Paperback
Page Count 362
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 680g