3rd century BC-3rd century AD. A pair of earrings, carinated and facetted with wire bindings to the upper end, one with single granulations, the other with granulated pyramids. 4.89 grams total, 21-22mm (3/4"). Property of an Essex gentleman; acquired in the early 1980s. The Parthians began as an Iranian tribe called the Parni, members of a semi-nomadic confederacy living in Central Asia. In 250 BC they invaded Parthia, a region of the Seleucid Empire which covers present-day Iran. Shortly afterwards the newly established Parthian kingdom grew into a prominent power by expanding their territory through a series of campaigns against the Seleucids, Romans and the Graeco-Bactrian kingdoms. Parthia was greatly influenced by Classical culture from the areas that it conquered, as well as from trade with their neighbours. Numerous caravan routes that crossed Parthian territory were the backbone of its economy. The mingling of Hellenistic and local traits in Parthian culture was a means by which the rulers secured loyalty from the two primary groups among the population under their rule. [2]

Very fine condition.