Arsacid dynasty

The Arsacid dynasty ruled the Parthian Empire from the third century BCE to the third century CE and founded a royal house in Armenia.

Parni: The Parni were an Iranian nomadic people who settled in Parthia and founded the Arsacid ruling house. Their migration into Parthia supplied the dynasty’s founders.
Parthian Empire: The Parthian Empire was an Iranian empire that rivaled Rome and ruled much of Iran and Mesopotamia. It was the principal state governed by the Arsacid kings.
Mithridates I of Parthia: Mithridates I was an Arsacid king who greatly expanded Parthian territory in the second century BCE. His conquests transformed the dynasty’s kingdom into an empire.
Arsacid dynasty of Armenia: The Armenian Arsacid dynasty was a royal house descended from the Parthian Arsacids that ruled Armenia. It carried the Arsacid name and political legacy into a neighboring kingdom.
Arsaces I of Parthia: Arsaces I was the founder of the Arsacid dynasty and the first ruler of the Parthian kingdom. He established the royal line after taking control of Parthia.
Parthian nobility: The Parthian nobility comprised powerful aristocratic families that held land, offices, and military influence. Aristocratic support constrained and sustained Arsacid kingship.
Mithridates II of Parthia: Mithridates II was an Arsacid king who strengthened Parthian power and diplomacy in the first century BCE. His reign marked a high point in Arsacid influence before Rome’s eastern advance.
Tiridates I of Armenia: Tiridates I was an Arsacid prince installed as king of Armenia with Roman recognition in 66 CE. His accession established the Armenian Arsacid house under a Roman-Parthian settlement.
Seleucid Empire: The Seleucid Empire was a Hellenistic state formed from territories ruled by Alexander the Great. Its declining authority created the opening for Arsacid expansion.
Parthian succession: Parthian succession was the process by which members of the Arsacid family claimed the kingship. Rival royal claims repeatedly shaped the dynasty’s political stability.

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