Pacorus II of Parthia
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Pacorus II of Parthia ruled the Parthian Empire from about 78 to 105. A son of Vonones II and brother of Vologases I, he was given the kingdom of Media Atropatene by the latter after his succession to the throne. After Vologases' death, Pacorus revolted against his brother's son and successor, Vologases II (c. 78–80), defeating and deposing him.
According to Dio Cassius Pacorus sold the kingdom of Osroene to Abgar VII, and according to Ammianus Marcellinus he enlarged the Parthian Ctesiphon and built its walls.
On his numerous coins he always calls himself "Arsaces Pacorus". This mention of his proper name, together with the royal name Arsaces, shows that his kingdom was disputed by rivals. Three of them we know from coins; in addition to Vologases II, they included Artabanus III, c. 80–90 and Vologases III, from about 105.
Pacorus died about 105; he was succeeded by his brother Osroes I.
| Arsacid dynasty | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Vologases II |
Great King (Shah) of Parthia 78–105 |
Succeeded by Vologases III |
[edit] References
- This article incorporates text from the Encyclopædia Britannica Eleventh Edition, a publication now in the public domain.
- Dio Cassius, lxviii, 17.
- Ammianus Marcellinus, Res Gestae, xxiii, 6, 23.
