ROME AND PERSIA: The Seven Hundred Year Rivalry

The Roman empire imposed peace and prosperity on an unprecedented scale. Its only true rival lay in the East, where the Parthian and then Persian empires ruled over great cities and the trade routes that lay beyond. Despite their endless clashes, trade between the empires enriched them both, and a mutual respect prevented both Rome and Persia from permanently destroying the other. 16 pages of color photos.