Vardanes I of Parthia
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Vardanes I of Parthia ruled the Parthian Empire from about 40–47. He succeeded his father Artabanus II, but had continually to fight against his rival Gotarzes II.
His coins show that he was in full possession of the throne from about 40 to 47. In 43 he forced the city of Seleucia on the Tigris to submit to the Parthians again after a rebellion of seven years. Ctesiphon, the residence of the kings on the left bank of the Tigris, opposite to Seleucia, naturally profited by this war; and Vardanes is therefore called founder of Ctesiphon by Ammianus Marcellinus. He also prepared for a war against the Roman Empire, with the aim of reconquering Armenia, but ultimately decided against facing the Roman legions. In a new war with Gotarzes he gained a great success against the eastern nomads. He is praised by Tacitus as a young and highly gifted ruler of great energy, but lacking in humanity. In about 47 he was assassinated while hunting, and Gotarzes became king again.
| Preceded by: Artabanus II | King of Parthia | Succeeded by: Gotarzes II |
References
- Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews, xx, 3, 4.
- Tacitus, Annals, [xi, 9], [10].
- Ammianus Marcellinus, Res Gestae, xxiii, 6, 23.
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