phil-Hellenistic period

The "phil-Hellenistic" period in Iranian history, roughly from 171 BCE to 12 CE, was characterized by significant Hellenistic cultural influence. Following Alexander the Great's conquest of the Achaemenian Empire, Greek soldiers settled in Iran, fostering Greek culture while retaining parts of the existing administrative structure.12

After Alexander's death, his empire fragmented. The Seleucid kingdom, established by Seleucus I Nicator, controlled much of western Asia. However, the Seleucids showed less interest in their eastern territories, allowing local traditions to reassert themselves. During this time, Iranian peoples, such as the Parni who founded the Parthian kingdom, began to emerge, eventually restoring a form of Achaemenian power. While Greek language and arts were present, national traditions were not entirely abandoned.123