The Structure and Function of the Border Town of Artashad in the Relations between Rome and Persia in the Sassanid Era

Since their first battle in the first century BC (96 BC), the two ancient powers of Persia and Rome engaged in struggles and conflicts that lasted up until the decline of the Sassanid dynasty and the invasion of the Muslim Arabs. Border cities such as Artashad had a major role in these conflicts. Therefore, considering the importance of the subject, the present study attempted to examine the construct and functions of the border city of Artashad.
Employing the descriptive-analytic research approach and based on library resources, it was found out that the city of Artashad was founded by Artashes the king of Armenia in the second century BC (c. 176 BC). This city had a solid structure and was also equally attractive for Persia and Rome because of its geopolitical, political, military, and economic and trade aspects. Therefore, each power sought to gain control over this important city. Overcoming this city meant the key to Armenia. By conquering this city, the two ancient powers could use it as a resting place for their armies and for storing their arsenal to the end of invading the other. Capturing Artashad as one of the trade centers was also important for the either empire and it meant reaching abundant financial gain from this border city.