A people originating in nomadic tribes which in early antiquity invaded Asia Minor, and settled in the Seleucid province of Parthia in 248/7 B.C. In later periods the Parthians ruled from the Euphrates to the Indus, with Ecbatana as their capital. The declining power of the Seleucid kingdoms was the main cause for the rapid growth of the Parthian dominions. With the coronation of Mithridates I in 170 B.C. the borders of Parthia expanded in all directions, and the kingdom apparently traded directly with China. In the years 51/50 and 40 B.C. Parthians invaded Syria and Palestine, looting the whole country. After the formation of the Second Roman Triumvirate, Anthony, who was allotted the eastern provinces, defeated the Parthians, and the Romans succeeded in checking Parthian power by establishing a rival kingdom in Armenia.
Concordance
Acts 2:9
