Parthian Empire
Iranian empire founded by the Arsacid dynasty that replaced the Seleucids as the dominant power in the Middle East. Rome's primary eastern rival for three centuries; famous for its heavy cavalry (cataphracts) and horse-archer tactics. Destroyed Crassus's army at Carrhae (53 BCE), repelled Antony (36 BCE), and resisted Trajan's invasion. Replaced by the Sasanian Empire after an Arsacid civil war in 224 CE.
- Type: Empire
- Government: feudal monarchy
- Capital: place:ctesiphon