Vologases III of Parthia

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Coin of Vologases III. Reverse shows a seated archer carrying a bow, surrounded by meaningless Greek-like letterforms.

Vologases III of Parthia claimed the throne of the Parthian Empire about 105, in the last days of Pacorus II of Parthia (80–105). He reigned over the eastern portion of the kingdom from 105 to 147. The period was one of civil war in the Parthian kingdom; for the early part of his reign Vologases III contended with Pacorus II's legitimate successors Osroes I (105–129) and Mithridates IV (129–140), who ruled Mesopotamia. Preoccupied by conflicts with the Romans, particularly the invasion by Roman Emperor Trajan (98–117), they were unable to effectively challenge Vologases III.

Following the death of Osroes I, Vologases III extended his rule through most of Parthia but had to contend with Mithridates IV, incursions of the nomadic Alans into Cappadocia, Armenia, and Media, and rebellion in Iran by an unknown usurper, c. 140.

After Vologases III's death the Parthian realm was finally reunited by Vologases IV of Parthia (147–191), the son of his rival Mithridates IV.

[edit] References

• This article incorporates text from the Encyclopædia Britannica Eleventh Edition, a publication now in the public domain.
• Dio Cassius, lxix, 15.