Archer, Omphalos, Throne: A Review on Connotation of Three Symbols on Parthian Coins

Although Parthian era (248/7 BC-224 AD) is one of the longest periods in history of Iran، due to the limitation of main sources such as literature، archaeological and historical evidences، there are some deficiencies of research in this field especially in Iran. Despite the lack of resources، collections of Parthian coins with special features are available which give unique and valuable information to the researcher of Parthian history. Therefore، the present study will use the knowledge of numismatics and semiotics، in order to introduce and evaluate examples of the earliest Parthian coins until the reign of Mithradates II (88 BC. - 123 BC.). While the process for using three symbols of Archer، Omphalos and Throne will identify، review and interpreted. This research will show that Parthian kings consciously used Greek symbols’ functions، changed these symbols in order to consolidate the indigenous traditions and used the connotation of these three icons for explaining the legitimacy of Parthian rule.