138: Indo-Sythia invades Parthia - Scroll Down for more details

"The Indo-Scythian Invasion of Parthia (138 BCE) - A Clash of Steppe Powers"

Introduction

In 138 BCE, the Indo-Scythians (also known as the Sakas), a nomadic people of Central Asian origin, launched an invasion into Parthia, a rising Iranian empire under the Arsacid dynasty. This conflict was part of a broader wave of migrations and conquests by steppe nomads that reshaped the political landscape of Central Asia and the Near East.

Background: The Saka Migrations

The Sakas were part of the larger Scythian cultural sphere, originating from the Eurasian steppes. Pressured by the expanding Yuezhi confederation (who were themselves displaced by the Xiongnu), the Sakas moved southward into Bactria and later into Parthian territory. Their migration was part of a domino effect of nomadic movements that destabilized the Greco-Bactrian Kingdom and threatened Parthia.

The Parthian Context

Parthia, under King Phraates II (r. 132-127 BCE), was still consolidating its power after breaking free from Seleucid rule. The Arsacid dynasty had expanded westward but now faced a new threat from the east—the Sakas.

The Invasion of 138 BCE

The exact details of the invasion are scarce, but historical fragments suggest that the Sakas launched raids or a full-scale invasion into Parthia around this time. The Parthians, already engaged in conflicts with the Seleucids, struggled to contain the Saka incursions.

Aftermath and Consequences

• Phraates II's Downfall (127 BCE): The Parthian king attempted to use captured Seleucid soldiers against the Sakas, but they defected, leading to his defeat and death in battle.
  
• Continued Saka Pressure: The Sakas eventually settled in Drangiana (modern Sistan, Iran-Afghanistan border), which became known as "Sakastan" (later Sistan).
  
• Indo-Scythian Kingdoms: Some Saka groups pushed further into India, establishing Indo-Scythian rule in regions like Gandhara and Mathura.

Historical Significance

This invasion demonstrated the vulnerability of sedentary empires to nomadic incursions. The Parthians eventually subdued the Sakas through diplomacy and military force, but the episode highlighted the persistent threat from the steppes—a theme that would recur with later nomadic invasions, including those of the Huns and Mongols.

Limitations in Sources

Primary sources on this event are fragmentary, relying on later Roman and Chinese accounts, as well as numismatic (coin) evidence. More detailed records from Parthian or Saka perspectives are lacking, leaving some aspects of this conflict open to interpretation.

Would you like further details on the broader Indo-Scythian migrations or Parthian strategies against nomadic threats?