The Libri GmbH The Seven Great Monarchies Of The Ancient Eastern World, Vol 6

T he Seven GreatMonarchies OfTheAncient EasternWorld, Vol 6: Parthia" by George Rawlinson is a historical account written in the late 19th century. This volume specifically details the geography, culture, and history of Parthia, an ancient region that played a significant role in the tapestry of Eastern ancient civilizations. The book aims to explore the dynamics of Parthian society, their relationships with their neighbors, and the complexities of their rise to power. The opening of the volume delves into the geography of Parthia, describing its diverse landscape that includes fertile mountain regions and valleys between harsh deserts. Rawlinson paints a vivid picture of the natural resources and agricultural potential of the area, suggesting that it was well-suited for the establishment of a robust civilization. He outlines the boundaries of Parthia as it aligns with modern geographic regions and touches upon its historical significance during different eras, emphasizing the region's strategic importance and the challenges it faced throughout history, particularly under the influence of the Persian Empire. This foundation sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the Parthian kingdom and its eventual prominence in the ancient world.The broad tract of desert which, eastward of the Caspian Sea, extends from the Mougbojar hills to the Indian Ocean, a distance of above 1500 miles, is interrupted about midway by a strip of territory possessing features of much beauty and attraction. This strip, narrow compared to the desert on either side of it, is yet, looked at by itself, a region of no inconsiderable dimensions, extending, as it does from east to west, a distance of 320, and from north to south of nearly 200 miles. The mountain chain, which running southward of the Caspian, skirts the great plateau of Iran, or Persia, on the north, broadens out, after it passes the south-eastern corner of the sea, into a valuable and productive mountain-region. Four or five distinct ranges here run parallel to one another, having between them latitudinal valleys, with glens transverse to their courses. The sides of the valleys are often well wooded; the flat ground at the foot of the hills is fertile; water abounds; and the streams gradually collect into rivers of a considerable size.