Reign of Arrows
The Rise of the Parthian Empire in the Hellenistic Middle East
Nikolaus Leo Overtoom
Reviews and Awards
"What makes this book important is that it is the first attempt to interpret the Parthians from an IR perspective. Adopting a realist approach akin to that employed by Arthur Eckstein for the Mediterranean world, Overtoom argues that the anarchic geopolitical framework of the Hellenistic world meant that ancient states were equally belligerent; their differential success was linked to their capability to pursue their interests." -- Kostas Vlassopoulos, Greece & Rome
"A fascinating exploration of Parthia's rise and conquest of the Hellenistic successor kingdoms." -- J. Tucci, CHOICE
"Overtoom's study of the rise of the Parthian Empire brings a new perspective to this important development in the history of the Hellenistic Middle East. By emphasizing the changing international-systems elements that led to the expansion of the Arsacid kings, Overtoom allows scholars to develop a more sophisticated view of how this expansion occurred, with less causal emphasis merely on the warlike nature of Parthian society or the personalities of individual rulers — important though these were." -- Arthur Eckstein, University of Maryland
"A novel, salutary, and stimulating effort to give meaningful order to hitherto confused Parthian political histories. Reign of Arrows restores dynamism to the Parthian Empire, enlivening discussion of its history and enabling its inclusion in the comparative study of ancient empires and the ancient world more generally." -- Richard Payne, University of Chicago