Trade Routes

 The major trade routes during most of the period from 300 BC up to 300 AD are shown in red on this map.  The Parthians derived much of their power and nearly all of their wealth from their ability to control these trade routes.  Trade was encouraged and facilitated by the Parthians through direct control and policing of the routes, maintaining the roads, and maintaining relations with their neighbors to the east and west as best as possible.  The Parthians were very careful to maintain their position as middle men in the trade network- they did their best to prevent any direct contact between the west and either India or China.  The Romans did eventually establish direct trade with India during the 1st century AD through the Red Sea.