Parthian Empire

High school (ages 12+)
History & Culture

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Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/parthian-empire

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the dynastic name?Arsacid Dynasty
2. What made the Parthian Empire strong in battle?The Parthians had fast, skilled horse archers who could shoot arrows while turning their horses around, called the Parthian shot. They also had armored cataphracts that could charge hard at enemy soldiers. Together, these forces made their army very powerful.
3. How did the Parthians help trade on the Silk Road?They controlled key parts of the Silk Road, so traders had to pay them tolls and taxes. This trade brought rich goods like silk and spices into the empire. The money from these taxes helped the Parthians grow strong.

Arsacid Dynasty: The ruling family that established and governed the Parthian Empire for nearly five centuries.
Cataphracts: Heavily armored cavalry soldiers, often with horses also armored, used for shock tactics.
Hellenistic Period: The era following Alexander the Great's conquests, marked by the spread of Greek culture, language, and political influence across the Eastern Mediterranean and Western Asia.
Feudal Lords: Powerful landowners who owed loyalty and military service to a king or emperor in exchange for land and protection.