? Watch 250+ exclusive videos on ✔ Youtube ► https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMmaBzfCCwZ2KqaBJjkj0fw/join or ✔ Patreon ► https://www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals
Kings and Generals historical animated documentary series on the history of Rome and Iran, continues with a video in which we talk about the rivalry between the Roman empire and the Parthian Kingdom. For nearly seven centuries, Rome and Persia stood as rival superpowers, locked in one of history’s longest and most complex geopolitical struggles. From the catastrophic Roman defeat at Carrhae to repeated invasions of Mesopotamia and the sackings of Ctesiphon, this rivalry shaped the political landscape of the ancient world. But why did Rome—so successful in Gaul, Spain, and the Mediterranean—fail to conquer Persia? And why did this frontier stabilize where it did? In this episode, we explore the Roman–Persian frontier not as a rigid border, but as a dynamic zone shaped by geography, logistics, economics, and diplomacy. Drawing on ancient authors and modern historians, we examine why traditional explanations of Roman “failure” fall short, and how concepts like periphery, client kingdoms, and supply networks defined the limits of imperial power. We also take a deep dive into Trajan’s eastern campaign, the economic realities of ancient warfare, and why capturing Persian capitals never translated into lasting conquest. Ultimately, Rome and Persia were not eternal enemies because they could not defeat each other—but because equilibrium was the most sustainable outcome for both empires.
Roman Empire - Julio-Claudians: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQOS1oJNGz8&list=PLaBYW76inbX5egSRNgWbadqMhVH7Z5p6P
Punic Wars: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCxkNk1tjNw&list=PLaBYW76inbX5ip3365IenIvsq4RIolKMa
Vandals: https://youtu.be/-IpbeEW6I9Y
How Rome Conquered Greece: https://youtu.be/v5q1rerf-qw
Did the Trojan War Really Happen: https://youtu.be/12eHJL2yRtk
Demosthenes: https://youtu.be/ABS1iepXG0U
Ancient Greek Politics and Diplomacy: https://youtu.be/MVnp4NilDLI
Pyrrhic Wars: https://youtu.be/2QBA6ZPmj3Q
Eastern Roman Empire: Why So Many Civil Wars?: https://youtu.be/SK_yHooLu1s
Mos Maiorum: What led to the fall of the Roman Republic?: https://youtu.be/BNWfDWk6ohM
Caesar in Gaul: https://youtu.be/LRV185XaMIM
Animation: Michael Merc youtube.com/@MercenaryCamp, Kate Korolko
Artwork: Vadym Berkutenko
Script: Evan Schultheis
Narration: Officially Devin (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU0-VII-V376zFxiRGMeZGg & https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC79s7EdN9uXX77-Ly2HmEjQ)
✔ Merch store ► https://teespring.com/stores/kingsandgenerals
✔ Patreon ► https://www.patreon.com/KingsandGenerals
✔ Podcast ► https://kingsandgenerals.libsyn.com/ iTunes: https://apple.co/2QTuMNG
✔ PayPal ► http://paypal.me/kingsandgenerals
✔ Twitter ► https://twitter.com/KingsGenerals
✔ Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/KingsGenerals
✔ Instagram ►http://www.instagram.com/Kings_Generals Production
Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1VM4h-crIdQYfHDmAPgN4b--RRHaDNf6hzKbo5Y8BmYw/edit?usp=sharing
Music courtesy of EpidemicSound
00:00:00 – Rome and Persia: Eternal Enemies
00:01:46 – What Did “Borders” Mean to Rome?
00:04:01 – Logistics, Geography, and the Limits of Empire
00:07:05 – Client Kings and the Eastern Periphery
00:09:13 – Trajan’s Gamble: Rome Invades Persia
00:11:02 – The Economic Cost of Conquest
00:14:02 – Why Ctesiphon Was Never Enough
00:16:13 – Could Rome Have Conquered Persia?
#Documentary #Rome #Parthia