Classical Near East
Classical Near East Ca. 500 B.C.E. ? 500 C.E. Overview Divided into three main political regions: Hellenistic (west), Iranian (east), and Semitic (central) Hellenistic zone divided three periods: Hellenistic kingdoms (330-31 B.C.E.), Roman era (200 B.C.E.-330 C.E.), Byzantine era (330-1453) Iranian divided into two periods: Parthian (248 B.C.E.-226 C.E.) and the Sasanid (226 ? 651) Arab conquests ultimately reunites region Parthians 248 B.C.E. ? 224 C.E. Originally nomadic tribe located in Iran Conquered and somewhat subdued by Alexander the Great Overthrew the Seleucid empire (Seleucus General of Alexander) Uneasy truce with Rome ? Parthians controlled Iran, Mesopotamia, and Armenia while Romans controlled Asia Minor, Syria, and Egypt