Mithridates IV of Parthia

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Coin of Mithridates IV. Reverse shows a seated archer holding a bow, surrounded by mostly meaningless Greek-like letterforms – though ΔΙΚΑΙΟΥ, "[of] the just", remains readable – and a line of Aramaic at top.

Mithridates IV of Parthia ruled the western Parthian Empire from 129 to 140. He was the brother of Osroes I of Parthia (109–129). During the invasion of Mesopotamia by the Roman emperor Trajan (98–117) in 116 he and his son Sanatruces II took up the diadem but were defeated. After the death of Osroes I in 129 he assumed the throne and continued the struggle with the rival king Vologases III of Parthia (105–147). He died in an attack on Commagene in140. Mithridates IV had appointed his son Sanatruces successor, but Sanatruces fell in a battle with the Romans. Another son, Vologases IV of Parthia (147–191), took the throne after the death of Vologases III in 147.

[edit] References

• This article incorporates text from the Encyclopædia Britannica Eleventh Edition, a publication now in the public domain.
• John Malalas, Chronographia.