Iran & Central AsiaAsiaMajor empire

Parthian Empire

Also known as Arsacid Empire

247 BCE – 224 CE · about 471 years

The Parthian (Arsacid) Empire was an Iranian power that ruled from Mesopotamia to Central Asia and controlled Silk Road trade between Rome and China. It fought a long series of wars with Rome. It was overthrown by the Sasanians in 224 CE.

Key facts

Dates	247 BCE – 224 CE
Region	Iran & Central Asia
Continent	Asia
Capitals	Ctesiphon, Hecatompylos, Ecbatana
Founder	Arsaces I
Religion(s)	Zoroastrianism, Iranian paganism
Peak extent	≈ 2.8 million km² (c. 1 CE) – source

Before & after

Preceded by

Seleucid Empire Greco-Bactrian Kingdom

Followed by

Sasanian Persian Empire Indo-Parthian kingdom

In the Islamic timeline

Zoroastrianism (al-Majus / Magians) — Zoroastrianism was practised alongside other faiths.

Sources

Wikipedia – Parthian Empire
Wikipedia – List of largest empires

Dates follow widely used reference works; many ancient dates are approximate or debated. Neutral summary for general reference.