| Mithridates IV 𐭌𐭄𐭓𐭃𐭕 | |
|---|---|
| Great King,King of Kings,Arsaces | |
.jpg) Coin of Mithridates IV | |
| King of theParthian Empire | |
| Reign | 57 – 54 BC |
| Predecessor | Phraates III |
| Successor | Orodes II |
| Died | 54 BC |
| Dynasty | Arsacid dynasty |
| Father | Phraates III |
| Religion | Zoroastrianism |
Mithridates IV (also spelledMithradates IV;Parthian:𐭌𐭄𐭓𐭃𐭕Mihrdāt) was aParthian king from to 57 to 54 BC. He was the son and successor ofPhraates III (r. 69–57 BC). Mithridates IV's reign was marked by a dynastic struggle with his younger brother,Orodes II, who eventually emerged victorious and had Mithridates IV executed, thus succeeding him.
Mithridates is theGreek attestation of theIranian nameMihrdāt, meaning "given byMithra", the name of the ancient Iranian sun god.[1] The name itself is derived fromOld IranianMiθra-dāta-.[2]
Mithridates IV was a son ofPhraates III (r. 69–57 BC), under whom he served as the ruler of the central province ofMedia.[3] In 57 BC, Mithridates murdered his father with the assistance of his younger brotherOrodes.[4] However, the two brothers quickly fell out, and Orodes revolted with the support of theSuren clan.[5] They both assumed the title ofKing of Kings to demonstrate their claims of superiority over each other.[6][a]
This changed the meaning of the title; originally being used as a symbol of political dominance over other realms, the title became known as a symbol of power and legitimacy for contenders in a royal family.[8] Mithridates IV was forced to flee from Parthia toRoman Syria. He took refuge withAulus Gabinius, the Roman proconsul and governor of Syria.[9] Mithridates IV then returned to invade Parthia with Gabinius in support. The Roman proconsul marched with Mithridates IV to theEuphrates, but turned back to restore another ruler,Ptolemy XII Auletes ofEgypt, to his throne.[9] Despite losing his Roman support, Mithridates IV advanced intoMesopotamia and managed to conquerBabylonia. He ousted Orodes and briefly restored his reign as king in 55 BC, minting coins inSeleucia until 54 BC.[9]
However, king Mithridates IV was besieged by Orodes' general,Surena, in Seleucia, and after a prolonged resistance, offered battle to Orodes' forces and was defeated.[9] Mithridates IV was afterwards executed in 54 BC by Orodes.[9]
Mithridates IV of Parthia Died: 54 BC | ||
| Preceded by | King of the Parthian Empire 57–54 BC | Succeeded by |