Studia Hercynia (Oct 2021)
A Fight to Reclaim the Central Asian Frontier. The Seleucid and Parthian Rivalry in the 230s BC
Abstract
This article investigates the initial conflict between the Parthians and Seleucids in the late 230s BC that established a much longer period of rivalry between these opposing forces. Arsaces I founded the independent Parthian kingdom in northeastern Iran during a period of geopolitical crisis throughout the Hellenistic Middle East. Although he successfully removed and replaced the rebellious Seleucid satrap in the region and quickly integrated his followers into the local aristocracy, the Parthian state remained vulnerable. The Parthians could expect some form of imminent Seleucid retaliation if the war between Seleucus II and his brother Antiochus Hierax subsided. This article reconsiders the eastern campaign of Seleucus against the Parthians to appreciate better the agency and accomplishments of the Parthians. It challenges the tradition that the Parthians were weak and acted cowardly. Instead, it concludes that the Parthians proved resourceful, clever, and triumphant.
