A reflection on the Hellenisation and Iranianness——A debate on the divergence and integration of multiculturalism of the Parthian empire
In the cultural landscape of the Parthian empire,the relationship between its Hellenism and Iranianness was characterised by the pattern of initial separation,followed by later stage of integra-tion.Hellenism was presented as the façade of the early Parthian culture,while the Iranianness was the cultural core of the Parthian people which continued to exist and gradually came into prominence.The Ira-nianness was reflected in various aspects of the empire;these included its coinage,images,inscrip-tions,architectures,and the concept of kingship.Due to the political demand of consolidating the poli-ty,the Iranianness and Hellenism started to integrate in the early stage of the Parthian empire.By the late period,the arrival of the Rome-Carthage rivalry led to the gradual de-Hellenisation and the total em-brace of Iranianness of the Parthians.Based on the timing and its cultural essence,the Iranianness was the most significant dimension for understanding the cultural landscapes and dynamics of cultural ex-change in the Parthian empire.The Parthian culture had had far-reaching influences in both the Persian civilisation and the Roman empire;as such,its significance should not be obscured by its Hellenistic appearance and Inner Asian identity.
Parthain empireCultural traitsIraniannessHellenisationInner Asian identity
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