(Same as Ancient Near East M110B and Iranian M110B.) Lecture, three hours; discussion, one hour (when scheduled). From Hellenistic rule in Persia to Sasanian conquest. Emphasis on political history, state structure, empire's religions, interactions with Hellenistic and Roman worlds. Further accent on Parthian conquest of Iran and Mesopotamia, Seleucid demise and Arsacid hegemony in East, Arsacid-Roman wars, rise of Sasanians. P/NP or letter grading.