The Role of East Asia Minor Iranian Local Governments in Formation of the "Revival Idea of Achaemenid Empire" by Arsacids

The historical evidence indicates that Arsacid kings tried to introduce themselves as heirs and the legitimize successors of Achaemenid kings; accordingly, they claimed their ancestral lands. They used this idea as means to legitimize their rule over Iran and to consolidate their political power. The aim of this paper, based on sources and documents and by using historical research methods is to show: first Arsacids claimed themselves as heirs and successor of Achaemenids in order to legitimize their political power; second, the study concludes that this idea took shape during the presence of Arsacids in East of Asia Minor and through political and cultural relations with Iranian governors and families in this region.