Mithridates Clashes with Kings and Swallows up Territory: The ‘King of Kings’ of Ancient Iran — Part II

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Coin of Mithridates I of Parthia (Classical Numismatic Group, Inc. http://www.cngcoins.com/CC BY-SA 3.0) and illustration depicting a sacrifice being made on behalf of a family, by the chief priest Conon and two assistants, first century AD. Graeco-Iranian style (Public Domain).;Deriv.

Mithridates Clashes with Kings and Swallows up Territory: The ‘King of Kings’ of Ancient Iran — Part II

Mithridates (“The Gift of Mithra) exhibited qualities that most kings rarely have: experience and maturity. He understood that a king could retain his power only as long as the people and nobles were treated fairly.

To the benefit of his people, his empire marched east, gobbling up lands and kingdoms, such as Bactria and Media, and continued until Parthia’s border touched India. Mithridates was patient, and struck when targets were vulnerable, and finally he turned his attention toward Mesopotamia and continued conquering with ease. His achievements consolidated the future of Parthia’s power for centuries to come.

Infantry soldier, from the Iranian Parthian Dynasty (247 BC - 224 AD) (Fabien Dany - www.fabiendany.com/CC BY-SA 2.5)


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