The Nisa helmeted warrior, a Hellenistic figure or deity, from the Parthian royal residence and necropolis of Nisa, 2nd century BCE.
The rise of the king Mithradates I around 171 BCE ushered in a new phase in the history of the Parthian realm, commonly designated by historians as its “phil-Hellenistic” era, lasting until 12 CE. This epoch saw a pronounced infusion of Hellenistic culture—evident above all in the adoption of Greek and in artistic production—though indigenous traditions continued to assert themselves and were never entirely relinquished. Pieces such as the "Nisa helmeted warrior" excellently reflect this artistic phase of the Parthian empire. It was found at Nisa. Nisa was an important commercial centre within the Parthian Empire. Under Mithridates I (r. c. 171–138 BCE), it was renamed Mithradātkert (Parthian: 𐭌𐭕𐭓𐭃𐭕𐭊𐭓𐭕, meaning “fortress of Mithradates”). The surrounding region was renowned for producing horses noted for their beauty, agility, and strength. The city was completely destroyed by an earthquake in the first decade BCE.
