Mesopotamia has, since the second century BC, been a part of the Parthian empire. Chronic political instability, together with the continuous wars with external foes (Seleucids, Steppe Nomads and Romans) in which the Parthian kings have been engaged, has prevented them from consolidating their control fully over Mesopotamia. As a result several semi-independent kingdoms, only loosely subordinate to the Parthian monarch, now cover large parts of the region, for example Characene, Adiabene and Gordyene.
The Parthian kings have continued to to present themselves as pro-Greek in their sympathies, and to promote “Hellenistic” civilization within the cities. Greek continues as the international language of trade and urban culture within the empire, with Aramaic spoken by most of the rural population.
Related Topics:
History of Ancient Mesopotamia
Related Timelines:
Timeline of Middle East History
Timeline of World History
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