Roman-Parthian Wars

In this episode, we explore the centuries-long Roman-Parthian Wars, a defining geopolitical rivalry that stretched from 54 BCE to 217 CE and revolved around the contested regions of Armenia and Mesopotamia. We examine pivotal moments such as Rome’s catastrophic defeat at Carrhae and the repeated, short-lived occupations of the Parthian capital, Ctesiphon, under emperors like Trajan and Septimius Severus. The discussion traces how shifting leadership, evolving diplomatic strategies, and recurring military campaigns produced a prolonged stalemate between two ancient superpowers. Ultimately, we consider how the fall of the Parthian dynasty and the rise of the Sassanid Empire transformed the conflict, ushering in a new and even more intense phase of Roman-Persian warfare.