Much
of the territory of the Parthian Kingdom was actually ruled by three client kingdoms: Characene, Elymais and Persis. Persis, home of the Persian race, was the most important. During the 2nd and
early 3rd century, the
Parthian realm was repeatedly invaded by the legions of the Roman Empire. This weakened
the Parthian Kingdom and led to its downfall. |
Vahbarz
King of Persis
|
The Persians first rebelled under Papak (son of Sasan).
His son Artashir overthrew the Parthians, and
resurgent Persis reclaimed its old
empire. The Sasanian Kingdom was an expansion of the kingdom of Persis, and the ceremonies
of the Zoroastrian religion played a prominent part both in public life and in the devices
on Sasanian coinage.
|
