When it comes to Parthian history, there are several diversifications that need to be studied. Due to some common terminologies, some words are misinterpreted, which might lead to confusion among researchers. Let’s understand some important aspects of Parthian Empire and one of its diversifications today.

Parthian Empire

The Parthian Empire existed from 247 BC to 224 AD in Ancient Iran. It was also known as the Arsacid Empire. The leader of Parni tribe, Arsaces I founded the empire after revolting against Seleucid Empire and conquering Parthia, which was earlier under Andragoras. Mithridates I of Parthia helped in expanding the empire to a great extent. During its zenith, the empire stretched from present–day central-eastern Turkey to eastern Iran. It slowly became a centre of trade and commerce due to its strategic location which connected the Roman Empire in the Mediterranean Basin and the Han Empire of China.

Indo-Parthian Kingdom

It can be said that the Indo-Parthian Kingdom was initially a part of the Parthain Empire. It was also known as Suren Kingdom. The Gondopharid branch of the House of Suren established the kingdom and the dynasty managed to rule from 19 to c. 240 over present-day eastern Iran, Afghanistan and the northwest regions of the Indian subcontinent. The Surenid governor of Drangiana revolted for independence from Parthain Empire and went on to establish a separate kingdom. They also captured several territories of Indo-Scythians and Indo-Greeks. The power of Indo-Parthains reduced after the Kushans invaded their territories in the second half of 1^st Century. They were finally completely defeated when Sasanian Empire captured Sakastan in c. 240.

The beauty and intricacy of parthain art and indo-parthain coins is famous all over the world. The Indo-Parthians had built the Buddhist monastery Takht-i-Bahi, which is declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO today.

This was only a brief introduction about parthian empire and one of its off-shoots, Indo-Parthian Kingdom. There is a lot more to learn about parthain history and art. The more you read about the rulers of Parthain Empire and archaeological evidence highlighting the beauty parthain architecture, the more you would be fascinated.