A new reflection on the Parthian governing structure; The sectarian monarchs or the central government?! (Based on archaeological evidence)

Farzin, Saman; Zohouriyan, Maryam; Koohestani Andarzi, Hossein; Azar Khordad, Fereshteh

doi:10.22034/IAEJ.2022.11201

A new reflection on the Parthian governing structure; The sectarian monarchs or the central government?! (Based on archaeological evidence)

Authors

saman farzin

maryam zohouriyan

hossein koohestani andarzi

fereshteh Azar khordad

10.22034/IAEJ.2022.11201

Abstract

One of the most controversial issues in the historical period of Iran is the Parthian rule, which due to the lack of evidence and content with the works of Greek and Roman historians, most scholars of the period of decentralization and sectarian monarchy and or express feudalism. As a result, in this comparative-analytical study, the characteristics of government systems are examined and their compatibility with the archaeological evidence left over from the Parthian period is discussed. Based on this, we first deal with the definitions and characteristics of a simple centralized and decentralized system that have not been studied in any research so far, then examine the characteristics of the tribal, feudal and also federal monarchy systems; Then, by comparative study of the above definitions with the evidence left from this period, we will make a thorough analysis of the nature of Parthian governance. Based on this, it can be said that the existence of large dynasties and its influence on the rule of kings was not limited to the Parthian period and the use of the king's name for semi-independent regions based on the perception and type of government of Roman or Greek historians. Also, by examining the feudal system and conforming to the economic system of the mentioned period, the Parthian system of government had a legislative system and according to the power of the king, the central legislative system acted either in a very centralized or simply decentralized manner. the central legislative system acted either in a very centralized or simply decentralized manner.

Keywords

Parthian rule

simple centralized

decentralized

feudalism

sectarian monarchies