Vardanes I of Parthia

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Silver tetradrachm of Vardanes I

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. According to Tacitus (Annales xi. 8-10), Vardanes was expelled temporarily from the throne by his brother Gotarzes, and fled to take refuge "in the plains of the Bactrians" (possibly the Yuezhi, who occupied Bactria at that time). Once he resumed power, he led a victorious campaign against the Dahae army of Gotarzes, as far as the Sindes river (the Tejen).

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.

Vardanes is mentioned in Life of Apollonius Tyana as a benefactor to Apollonius of Tyana (2–c. 98 AD). He gives him letters garantying safe passage to India, so that he can meet there the Indo-Parthian ruler of India Phraotes:

"And with that, he showed them a letter, written to that effect, and this gave them occasion to marvel afresh at the humanity and foresight of Vardanes. For he had addressed the letter in question to the satrap of the Indus, although he was not subject to his dominion; and in it he reminded him of the good service he had done him, but declared that he would not ask any recompense for the same, "for", he said, "it is not my habit to ask for a return of favors." But he said he would be very grateful, if he could give a welcome to Apollonius and send him on wherever he wished to go. And he had given gold to the guide, so that in case he found Apollonius in want thereof, he might give it him and save him from looking to the generosity of anyone else." – Book II:17 ^[1]