There has always been great powers in the east. The east was the birthplace of civilization, and since then grand empires have ruled over the land. The most recent of these is the Sassanid Empire.

Eranshahr (Sassanids)
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The Sassanids arose from the ashes of the Parthian Empire. The Parthians had grown weak from constant wars with Rome. The sacking of Ctesiphon by Septimius Severus in 197 AD was the final blow. In 224 AD, Ardashir I overthrew the Parthian king and created a new empire. The House of Sassan originates in Persia and their dream is to restore the empire of the Achaemenids. The new government is much more centralized, although there are still several satrapies serving the Persian king. Now, in 260 AD, Shapur I reigns. His recent invasion of the Roman Empire was quite successful, reaching even Antioch, until his defeat by Odaenathus and Macrianus. He did, however, capture the Roman emperor Valerian, who he now keeps as a stepping stool to mount his horse. The Roman empire is now crumbling, with Postumus revolting in the west and Macrianus in the east. Invasion is now possible once again. The Persian empire will rule the world!



Mets Hayk (Kingdom of Armenia)
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The Kingdom of Armenia is ancient, dating back to the 4th century BC. The rise of Rome and Parthia halted the advance of this once proud kingdom. Its glory has fallen. For the most part, peace with Parthia was constant, unless a Roman puppet was placed upon the throne. In more recent days, the king is either a puppet of the Roman emperor or the Persian king. Now, the son of Shapur I has been placed on the throne of Armenia. The ultimate goal for the Sassanids is to assimilate the Armenian state, since the former Armenian kings were Arascids, whose family once ruled Parthia. However, there are those within the Armenian state that wish to see an independent Armenia restored. Tiridates. With Rome's support he could overthrow the Sassanid king's son. It will be up to you to decide who will rule Armenia and who it will side with. Perhaps you will side with neither and fight Rome and Persia. The influence from both empires has created a mighty army. Armenia can rise again, if only the will of its inhabitants is strong enough!



Basileion tou Bosporou (Kingdom of Bosporus)
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The Kingdom of Bosporus is even older than Armenia. The first settlements were formed by Greek colonists from Anatolia. They were centered around modern day Crimea. They are the last Hellenic kingdom left in the world. All else was taken by Rome. But, they are a client of Rome, and love everything Rome has to offer. They had coinage in the style of the Romans and included an Imperial cult. The kings even began to add the name Tiberius Julius because of their affinity to all things Roman. Their current king Synges, is in a tough position. Their Roman masters are beginning to fall apart, with the empire split into three. The Roxolani are a constant threat from the north. It will take guile and skill for the Bosporans to survive the coming storm and maintain their relations with the Romans. They could forge a mightier empire than ever before!