A new and important period in Parthian history, often called “anti-Hellenistic,” embraces a century and a half, from ad 12 to 162. It is characterized by an expansion of the native Parthian culture and an opposition to all things foreign. The weakness of the reigning dynasty opened wide avenues to the nobility to involve themselves in the official existence of the state. They chose the sovereign whose reign opened the first stage in this new period.
The-Achaemenian-Empire-in-the-6th-and-5th-centuries-BCThe Achaemenian Empire in the 6th and 5th centuries bc.[Credits : Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.]
Armenian-tribute-bearer-carrying-a-jar-decorated-with-winged-griffinsArmenian tribute bearer carrying a jar decorated with winged griffins, detail of relief sculpture …[Credits : Michael Roaf]
The-Parthian-empire-in-the-1st-century-BCThe Parthian empire in the 1st century bc.[Credits : Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.]
The-Sasanian-empire-at-the-time-of-Shapur-IThe Sāsānian empire at the time of Shāpūr I.[Credits : Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.]
The-surrender-of-the-emperor-Valerian-to-the-Persian-kingThe surrender of the emperor Valerian to the Persian king Shāpūr, rock relief, ad …[Credits : Roger-Viollet]
Khosrow-II-coin-AD-590-628-in-the-collection-ofKhosrow II, coin, ad 590–628; in the collection of the American Numismatic Society.[Credits : Courtesy of the American Numismatic Society]
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