24.04.2013 Views

Sykes' History of Persia - Heritage Institute

Sykes' History of Persia - Heritage Institute

Sykes' History of Persia - Heritage Institute

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.

XXXIV DECLINE AND FALL OF PARTHIA 421<br />

priceless boons that we now enjoy. On the contrary, no<br />

dynasty in historical times has bequeathed less to posterity.<br />

But it was remarkable for its virility. For close on five<br />

centuries it was ruled by a race <strong>of</strong> monarchs, none, or very<br />

few, <strong>of</strong> whom were effeminate or under the influence <strong>of</strong><br />

eunuchs, " that pernicious vermin <strong>of</strong> the East," as Gibbon<br />

has it. This fact makes the Parthian " King <strong>of</strong> Kings "<br />

compare favourably with the later Achaemenian " Great<br />

Kings " and with many <strong>of</strong> the Roman Emperors. The<br />

lack <strong>of</strong> organization and <strong>of</strong> education, which was so<br />

striking a defect <strong>of</strong> the Parthians, prevented stability, and<br />

it has been pointed out that they resembled closely the<br />

Ottoman Turks, whose valour and manhood are splendid,<br />

but who are deficient in the arts <strong>of</strong> peace.

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!