An Analytical and Critical Study of the History of the Parthians in Ibn Balkhi’s Farsnameh

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Assistant Professor of Ancient Iranian History, Department of History, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran.

2 Master's student in Ancient Iranian History, Department of History, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran.

10.22103/jic.2025.25215.1433

Abstract

In most Islamic sources information about the Parthians is scarce vague and occasionally distorted. Farsnama written by Ibn Balkhi like other Islamic historical texts offers a brief and limited account of the Parthians. Ibn Balkhi relied primarily on sources such as The History of al -Tabari and The History of Prophets and Kings by Hamza al-Isfahani. However, a closer look at his account reveals that he may have drawn upon additional sources as some parts of his narrative correspond with established historical facts. A more thorough analysis uncovers traces of historical truth within his text.

This study undertakes a critical analysis of Ibn Balkhi’s narrative concerning the Parthians. A central aim is to compare his version of Parthian history with both earlier and contemporary sources. One important focus is the presence of unique details in Ibn Balkhi’s account that are not found in the sources he cites or in other known records.

According to the findings of this research the figure “Shapur son of Ashkan” in Farsnama may correspond to Phraates IV, a historical Parthian king. Ibn Balkhi also mentions the role of Naib al-Sultana (Deputy of the Sovereignty), a detail worthy of attention His reference to “Firuz son of Hormoz” lacks precedent in other sources and calls for further inquiry Notably he identifies “Ashk son of Ashkan” as the second Parthian king. Additionally, modern chronology increasingly recognizes Arsaces the successor of Arsaces I, over Tiridates. Finally the study explores Ibn Balkhi’s intriguing mention of a character called “Piri Ashghani.”

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References

 
- Bosworth, C. Edmund. 1997. EBN AL-BALKI. Encyclopedia Iranica. I. Yarshater. Routledge & Kegan Paul. London. Boston and Henley. Vol. VIII, Fasc. 1, p. 4 https:// www.iranicaonline.org/articles/ebn-al-balki.
- Shahbazi, A. Sh., 1986, “ARSACIDS vi. Arsacid chronology in traditional history, ” Encyclopaedia Iranica, II/5, pp. 542-543, available online at http:// www.iranicaonline.org/articles/arsacids-vi (accessed on 30 December 2012).

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