Parthian Geography

The Parthians originated from the area to the east of the Caspian sea, an area occupied at that time by the nomadic Scythians. It is thought that the Parthians were an offshoot of the Scythians, specifically a clan of the Dahae called the Parni. At some point before 250 BC, the Parni moved into the province of Parthava and, eventually, took control, first under Arsaces I, the founder of the Parthian state, and then his successors who expanded the empire until it dominated the Middle East. The geography of this region played a major part in determining the frontiers, and fortunes, of the Parthians.

Each of the following maps includes a discussion of the map, including links to other parts of this site for further information.

Map of Parthia under Arsaces I, founder of the
Arsacid dynasty.
Map of Parthia at its greatest extent during the 1st century BC, after the conquests of Mithradates II, but not including the temporary gains of Pacorus I under Orodes II.

Economic map of the Middle East during
Parthian times, showing trade routes.
Map of the major subkingdoms of the Parthian empire, with discussion of each.

Map of the known locations of Parthian mints.
Rome vs. Parthia
Image map of the buffer states between Parthia and Rome and the invasion routes used in their wars.

Map of Parthia under Arsaces I, founder of the Arsacid dynasty.	Map of Parthia at its greatest extent during the 1st century BC, after the conquests of Mithradates II, but not including the temporary gains of Pacorus I under Orodes II.
Economic map of the Middle East during Parthian times, showing trade routes.	Map of the major subkingdoms of the Parthian empire, with discussion of each.
Map of the known locations of Parthian mints.	Rome vs. Parthia Image map of the buffer states between Parthia and Rome and the invasion routes used in their wars.