Sykes' History of Persia - Heritage Institute

396 HISTORY OF PERSIA chap.
wife, who was recognized
as the Queen, and a multitude
of concubines, many of whom were Greeks. The customs
of separation and veiling generally known as the Harem
system prevailed, but eunuchs never obtained any great
influence ; nor, with the solitary exception of Musa, the
Italian slave-girl, does any Queen play a part comparable
with that of several of the Achaemenian royal ladies.
Indeed the Parthians maintained their virility to a
remarkable degree, probably because they never entirely
abandoned their nomadic habits.
The Life of the Parthians.—We know comparatively
little as to the actual life of the Parthians, but it is not
very difficult to it. picture War was of course considered
the first and noblest employment, and after it came the
chase. The varieties of game which then abounded have
been already described, and we may feel sure that, although
shooting preserves are alone mentioned, the Parthians as a
nation, like the Persians and Macedonians, were devoted
to sport. This is indeed borne out in a remark by
Justin, who states that game formed the main article of
diet. The Parthians were addicted to a wine made from
dates, and at revels there was obviously much intemperance,
as indeed was the case all over the world. Their music
included the flute, the pipe, and the drum, and their feasts
frequently closed with dancing. Like all nomadic races
they originally lived sparely, but their habits changed with
prosperity. They ate meat of all kinds, including pork,
and various vegetables. Their bread was leavened, light
and porous, and was known and esteemed in Rome.
Their Dress. — The Parthians, like the Persians,
adopted the flowing Median robe, with baggy trousers
similar to those worn by Pathans to-day. For head-dress
they used a ribbon terminating in two long ends or else a
rounded tiara. The beard, when worn, and the hair
generally were curled, but fashions changed at various
periods. In war they wore armour, with helmets of
polished steel. The trappings of their horses were very
rich, golden bits and bosses being usual. The national
weapon was a powerful bow. Swords, too, were carried,
and a dagger was invariably worn all by classes. The chief