The Parthians : the forgotten empire / Uwe Ellerbrock.

Includes bibliographical references and indexes.

The Parthian Empire: a first approach -- History of the great empires in Iran -- History of the Parthian Empire -- The structure of the Parthian Empire -- Vassal states and kingdoms under Parthian influence -- The Parthian Empire and the peoples of Eurasia -- Cities and architecture in the Parthian Empire: cities in vassal states under Parthian influence -- Trade and business in the Parthian Empire -- Insights into social life in Parthia -- Parthian art: art in the Arsacid Kingdom -- The Parthian Empire and its religions.

"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"--

This book is based on the revised and expanded second edition of 'Die Parther - die vergessene Grossmacht' (The Parthians : the forgotten superpower), by archaeologist Sylvia Winkelmann and myself, published by Zabern Verlag, Germany in 2015. For the present edition, the book was revised and in parts re-edited and translated into English by the author. More than ninety new photos have been added.