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characterized by a fusion of the cultures of their neighbors and predecessors but with unique twists. Circles were a large part of what made Parthian architecture unique, often the Parthians would organize whole fortresses and cities in a circular shape. Additionally, while the Hellenistic temples of the Seleucids were frequently built with columns, Parthian temples would be decorated with graceful arches. Parthian art, especially the elaborate stone reliefs, is known for its attention to detail. Many

luxury objects made of precious metals including jewelry and cups for wine have been found, showing the wealth of the great empire.

The Parthian Empire’s power at the end of the first millennium B.C.E would eventually decline because of frequent invasions and civil wars and be replaced by the Sasanid Empire in 224 C.E. Despite its eventual collapse, this great empire ruled over a vast, multicultural territory, forming its own unique culture along the way. This

Empire despite its dominance and historical significance is not widely known or talked about. This might be because most of our knowledge about it comes from outside sources, those of Roman and Chinese writers. Whatever the cause, learning more about this very significant empire is something that we should do because its impact on its neighbors was great and certainly influenced the history of Rome as we know it today.

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