Parthia

First published in 1893, this sweeping historical account of ancient Parthia (which encompassed most of modern-day Iran as well as parts of Iraq and Afghanistan) details the history, ethnography, government, and culture of an empire that was ancient Rome's most formidable obstacle to eastward expansion. Aided by a wealth of maps and illustrations, Rawlinson documents the ebb and flow of empire, providing vivid accounts of the Parthians' battles with Rome and a window into a civilization that lasted five centuries. Appointed proctor of Canterbury in the late 19th century, British scholar and historian GEORGE RAWLINSON (1812-1902) wrote a variety of historical works, including The Five Great Monarchies of the Ancient Eastern World, Manual of Ancient History, The Origin of Nations, and History of Ancient Egypt.