ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the evidence for women at the Arsakid court. Western sources report in stereotypical narratives of numerous women and concubines of the Arsakid king, of eunuchs and their power in the “harem” and a life at court characterized by intrigues and patricide. Our analysis attempts to reveal the historical reality behind these stereotypical notions in the Western sources. After an overview of the female hierarchies at the court we examine the political influence of royal women and their role within Arsakid bilateral marriage policy.
