Parthia (Romae Delenda Est Map Game)

The Parthian Empire, also known as Parthia, is a regional power in the Central Asian steppes, but is largely overshadowed by the Seleucid and Maurya Dynasties to its southwest and southeast, respectively. The Empire was established in 247 BC, by the Chieftain of the Parni peoples, who overthrew the Greeks living in the region.

History
The Parni peoples originated form the, but rose to prominence in 247 BC, when a man named Arsaces I was elected Chief of the Parni. At the time, the Seleucids were experiencing large-scale turmoil, and the Satrapy of Parthia seceded the Empire, in favor of independence.

The Parni capitalized on this, and invaded all of Parthia, from whence, they expanded northwards, since their southern border was next to the mighty Seleucids.

In 211-209 BC, the Bactricians and Parthians went to war to decide which nation would be predominant over the other in Central Asia. That war ended in a stalemate, but the Parthians launched a suprise attack in 197 BC, when they took Samarkand, winning the war for the trade routes.

Culture
The culture of the Parthians is a mixture between Persian and Hellenistic influences. Since the Seleucid Empire is so near to the Parthian homeland, the Hellenistic culture widely defines what it means to be a Parthian. Greek theatre is commonplace, but the Arsacid dynastic rulers tend to try to associate themselves more with the Achmeniand Dynasty than that of Seleucus.

Religion
The main religion, and only practiced religion with a large following, in Parthia is Zoroasterianism. The religion of the Achmeniand Empire, Zoroasterianism's polytheistic form allowed for the Greek influence to continue, since many equated the gods of Zoroaster to Zeus, Hades, Hermes, and other Greek gods.