Analysis of the role of women in Seleucid and Parthian societies based on seals and seal impressions

The Study of seals and seal impressions can make clear the dark corners of the social history of the Seleucid and Parthian. On the other hand, the analysis of personal and social position of individuals or groups for understanding the complicated relationship between human with others people or groups, also for the understanding of interactional relationships has gained special attention in historical researches. Among above mentioned topics, the position of women has attracted particular attention. In this paper 53 seal and seal-impressions of women with different designs from different parts of the Seleucid and Parthian lands are explained and analyzed. Pictures of women on the seals differ in style and motif that include images of Greek women doing various chores and social activities, of which the Greek goddesses comprise more seals impressions in this period. Samples from study centers such as Arook, Tel Kadesh, Seleucian karan Dejle, Nesa, Shoosh and Saleh Davood of Khuzestan were obtained. This article analyzes the designs, also the role and activity of women in administrative, political and social structures of Seleucid and Parthian. The most famous motifs of seals and seal-impressions include Aphrodite, Tike and Athena goddesses. It should also be noted that using women in designs were more common in the Seleucid era where as in Parthian periods other than three seals, rarely the image of women were used.