Reign of Arrows

The Rise of the Parthian Empire in the Hellenistic Middle East

Nikolaus Leo Overtoom

Oxford Studies in Early Empires

First comprehensive study dedicated entirely to early Parthian history
Utilizes modern international relations theory to better understand the geopolitics of the Hellenistic Middle East and Parthian history

Reign of Arrows

The Rise of the Parthian Empire in the Hellenistic Middle East

Nikolaus Leo Overtoom

Oxford Studies in Early Empires

Description

From its origins as a minor nomadic tribe to its status as a major world empire, the rise of the Parthian state in the ancient world is nothing short of remarkable. In their early history, the Parthians benefitted from strong leadership, a flexible and accommodating cultural identity, and innovative military characteristics that allowed them to compete against and even overcome Greek, Persian, Central Asian, and eventually Roman rivals. Reign of Arrows provides the first comprehensive study, in almost a century, dedicated entirely to early Parthian history. Assimilating a wide array of especially recent scholarship across numerous fields of study, Nikolaus Overtoom presents the most cogent, well rounded, and up-to-date account of the Parthian empire in its wider context of Hellenistic history. It explains the political and military encounters that shaped the international environment of the Hellenistic Middle East from the middle third to the early first centuries BCE. This study combines traditional historical approaches, such as source criticism and the integration of material evidence, with the incorporation of modern international relations theory to better examine the emergence and expansion of Parthian power. Relevant to historians, classicists, political scientists, and general readers interested in the ancient world and military history, Reign of Arrows reimagines and reconstructs the rise of the Parthians within the hotly contested and dangerously competitive international environment of the Hellenistic world.

Reign of Arrows

The Rise of the Parthian Empire in the Hellenistic Middle East

Nikolaus Leo Overtoom

Oxford Studies in Early Empires

Preface
Acknowledgements
Timeline
Greek and Roman Literary Sources
Genealogical Table of the Early Arsacids
Parthian Kings and Select Coins
Maps
Introduction

Chapter 1 - From Migrants to Masters of the Middle East
Chapter 2 - The Emergence of the Parthian State
Chapter 3 - The Empire Strikes Back
Chapter 4 - The Fall of Bactria, the Rise of Parthia
Chapter 5 - The Climax of the Seleucid-Parthian Rivalry
Chapter 6 - Parthian Hegemony

Bibliography
Index

Reign of Arrows

The Rise of the Parthian Empire in the Hellenistic Middle East

Nikolaus Leo Overtoom

Oxford Studies in Early Empires

Author Information

Nikolaus Leo Overtoom, Assistant Professor of Ancient History, Washington State University.

Nikolaus Leo Overtoom is Assistant Professor of Ancient History at Washington State University.

Reign of Arrows

The Rise of the Parthian Empire in the Hellenistic Middle East

Nikolaus Leo Overtoom

Oxford Studies in Early Empires

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