Investigating the Relations Between Iran and Rome (Focusing on the Mithridatic Wars) in the 1st Century BC

The first diplomatic relation between Iran and Rome came as a result of the confluence of Parthian interests with the Roman Republic in Anatolia. The alliance of Mehrdad VI (Pontic) with the Second Tigers (Armenian) and their involvement in the affairs of Cappadocia made Rome set foot in the Anatolian lands. In fact, the arrival of the Romans in this region created a challenge in the relations between Iran and Rome that continued until the end of the Parthian Empire. The present research thus aims to explicate and analyze the relation between Iran and Rome during the Mithridatic Wars. Historical description and analysis indicate that after the reign of Mehrdad II and the emergence of the claimants to the throne, the Parthian empire fell into decline. In such a situation, Rome, aware of the internal problems of the Parthians, attempted to infiltrate Asia Minor and the Caucasus, and on the other hand, the Second Tigers first used the opportunity to invade the Parthian territory to expand their influence westward and into Syria. He later fought with Rome through an alliance with Mehrdad VI. And the Parthians, by pursuing a policy of negative balance in the Mithridatic wars, could regain their former bases in Asia Minor and the Caucasus within a short time.