ABSTRACT
In the Parthian period of competition with Rome, the approach of attempting to influence and perhaps exacerbate problems associated with rulership and government by both sides in the late Republic and early empire gave way to more territorially aggressive approach by Roman rulers in the second century AD. In the case of Shapur II's treaty with Jovian in 363, the territorial focus was on Armenia and Mesopotamia with no mention of the Achaemenids or any attempt to claim the territory they once controlled further west. The seriousness of Rome's economic difficulties during this period is demonstrated in steep declines in the silver content of the coinage, especially from 250 to 275. An important point to consider is that the internal "enemies" of imperial Rome were in no mind to overthrow the system if anything they wanted a part in it. While Rome faced many challenges, it is important not to understate some of the difficulties Sasanian Persia faced after 270.
