Parthians were an ancient Persian people who ruled the Parthian Empire from the 3rd century BCE to the 3rd century CE. Synonyms for Parthians include Arsacids, the name of the ruling dynasty of the Parthian Empire. The term "Parthian" can also be used as an adjective, and synonyms for this usage include Parthianic, Parthianean, and Parthianic. Other synonyms for Parthians include Ashkanians, Parthavas, and Pashkans. In historical texts, they have also been referred to as the "Iron Riders" and the "Masters of the Bow," highlighting their military prowess on horseback and their use of archery in battle.