Parthia (Ætas ab Brian)

From Alternative History

Asia Minor provinces

Nations to speak of

Trajan's Eastern Campaign (862-70(109-117)) against Parthia and Armenia was motivated largely by glory but also to ensure roman economic interests for trade with the distant east. In the beginning Parthia won several surprise battles but as the war wore on Rome's talent in protracted struggles and Trajan's expertise brought about Rome's victory.

Upon the ascension of Marcus Aurelius in 914(161) Parthia's leadership had resolidified after the chaos caused by the Roman victory in 870(117). Its army was renewed and an invasion of Assyria was launched, inciting rebellion in Armenia. On the defensive in Mesopotamia, reinforcements were sent to Armenia to swiftly put down the rebels by early the next year- quickly enough that when an immediate invasion of Parthia was ordered, the main Parthian army was taken by surprise and routed. The victories won convinced the Senate to allow further funding, and by 920(161) Parthia was conquered.

During the Miasmata, Parthia was lost from Rome in 1601(848). This encouraged the Sacae and Yuzi, Scythian nomads north of Parthia, to start frequent pillages and raids. Parthia struggled to defend itself against these invasions, as previously the province gained a large portion of its wealth acting as a trade conduit east and west. With Roman and Sinican markets shrivelling up, and then with the Senate hostile and paranoid of the rebel state, it had to contend with frequent rebellions and revolts, further weakening it to outside conquest.

Like Assyria, Parthia's troubles caused its admittance to the Senate to be held up until 2123(1370).