Arsaces I
Quick Summary
Arsaces I was the first king of the Parthian dynasty, reigning from approximately 250 to 211 BCE. He was a chief of the Parni tribe, who originated from the Caspian steppes. Arsaces' success led to the establishment of the Parthian state, which endured for over four centuries until 224 CE. His name became a royal title, with all subsequent Parthian kings using "Arsaces". He is credited with founding cities, including Nisā, and establishing his capital at Hecatompylos on the Silk Road. The Arsacid dynasty, which he founded, claimed descent from Achaemenid kings to legitimize their rule.123
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
- Arsaces
…gain power in Parthia was Arsaces I, who reigned from about 250 to about 211 bc. (Some authorities believe that a brother, Tiridates I, succeeded Arsaces about 248 and ruled until 211; other authorities consider Arsaces I and Tiridates I to be the same person.)
Read More…gain power in Parthia was Arsaces I, who reigned from about 250 to about 211 bc. (Some authorities believe that a brother, Tiridates I, succeeded Arsaces about 248 and ruled until 211; other authorities consider Arsaces I and Tiridates I to be the same person.)
Read More - Arsacid dynasty
…gain power in Parthia was Arsaces (reigned c. 250–c. 211 bc), but the Iranian plateau was not conquered in its entirety until the time of Mithradates I (reigned 171–138 bc). Two of the dynasty’s most powerful rulers were Mithradates II (reigned 123–88 bc) and Phraates III (reigned 70–58/57 bc).
Read More…gain power in Parthia was Arsaces (reigned c. 250–c. 211 bc), but the Iranian plateau was not conquered in its entirety until the time of Mithradates I (reigned 171–138 bc). Two of the dynasty’s most powerful rulers were Mithradates II (reigned 123–88 bc) and Phraates III (reigned 70–58/57 bc).
Read More
- Nisa
Nisa was traditionally founded by Arsaces I (reigned c. 250–c. 211 bc), and it was reputedly the royal necropolis of the Parthian kings. Excavations at Nisa have revealed substantial buildings, many inscribed documents, and a looted treasury. Also many Hellenistic art works have been uncovered, as well as a large…
Read MoreNisa was traditionally founded by Arsaces I (reigned c. 250–c. 211 bc), and it was reputedly the royal necropolis of the Parthian kings. Excavations at Nisa have revealed substantial buildings, many inscribed documents, and a looted treasury. Also many Hellenistic art works have been uncovered, as well as a large…
Read More
Parthia…of the Parthian empire was Arsaces I, who had been a governor under Diodotus, king of the Bactrian Greeks, and who revolted and fled westward to establish his own rule (c. 250–c. 211 bce). By 200 bce Arsaces’ successors were firmly established along the southern shore of the Caspian Sea.…
Read More…of the Parthian empire was Arsaces I, who had been a governor under Diodotus, king of the Bactrian Greeks, and who revolted and fled westward to establish his own rule (c. 250–c. 211 bce). By 200 bce Arsaces’ successors were firmly established along the southern shore of the Caspian Sea.…
Read More
