Phraates I

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Phraates I of Parthia
Phraates I.jpg
Reign 168–165 BC
Predecessor Phriapatius of Parthia
Successor Mithridates I of Parthia
Born Unknown
Died 165 BC
Dynasty Arsacid dynasty
Religion Zoroastrianism

Phraates I of Parthia (Persian: فرهاد يکم‎‎), ruler of the Parthian Empire from ca. 168–165 BC. He subdued the Amardians (lat. Amardis), mountaineers occupying eastern portion of the Elburz range, south of the Caspian Sea. He died relatively young, and appointed as his successor not one of his sons, but his brother Mithridates I (165–132 BC).

The exact date of his ascension is the subject of some confusion. He may have succeeded his father Phriapatius (185–170 BC) on the throne.[1][2] However, recent evidence from Nisa suggests that a great-grandson of Arsaces I reigned briefly after Priapatius' death in 170. In this reconstruction, this previously unknown "Arsaces IV" reigned ca. 170-168 BC and was then succeeded by Phraates I (which would make Phraates "Arsaces V").[3]

Military campaigns[edit]

Campaign against Amardians[edit]

At beginning of his reign Phraates I directed his arms towards territory inhabited by Amardians, a poor but warlike people, who appear to have occupied eastern portion of the Elburz range, south of the Caspian Sea, what is probably today immediately south of Māzandarān and Astarabad. The reduction of these fierce mountaineers is likely to have occupied him for some years, since their country was exceedingly strong and difficult.[4]

At that time Amardi were de facto nominally subjects of the Seleucidae, we don't see any mention of assistance being rendered to them, nor even any complaint were being sent by Seleucus IV against unprovoked aggression of the Parthian monarch.[4]

Account for inactivity of Seleucus IV Philopator in Syria, who was characterized as weak and pacific, might be consisted in part by war exhaustion of Syria in this period, which was consequence of his father's, Antiochus III, great war against Rome (192–188 BC) and heavy contribution which was imposed upon the Seleucids by the Treaty of Apamea. Syria might scarcely have recovered sufficient military strength to enter upon a new struggle, especially with a remote and powerful enemy. Seleucus IV also may have thought that material interests of Seleucid Empire were only minorly affected by Parthian aggression, since the Amardi were too poor to provide much tribute, so Syria considered their subjection rather a formality than a fact. Therefore, he allowed reduction of the Amardians, probably conceiving that their transfer under Arsacid dominance would neither increase Parthian power nor diminish his own.[4]

Campaign in Media Rhagiana[edit]

As Phraates faced no resistance from the Seleucids, when he conquered the Amardians, he resolved to append adjacent territory to his kingdom. This was the tract lying immediately to the West of the Caspian Gates, which was traditionally reckoned to Media (Assyria), forming a distinct district known as Media Rhagiana. It was naturally a very fertile region, being watered by numerous mountain streams originating in Elburz range, and possessing a soil of remarkable productiveness. Its breadth was not great, since it consisted of a mere strip between the mountains and the Great Salt Desert which occupies the whole centre of the Iranian plateau, but it extended in length at least a hundred and fifty miles, from the Caspian Gates to the vicinity of Qazwin. Since remote antiquity its capital city was Rhages, situated near the eastern extremity of the strip, probably at the spot now called Kaleh Erij, about twenty-three miles from the Gates. A full conquest is doubtful, but at a minimum he established lodgment in its eastern extremity, which put the whole region in jeopardy.[4]

Parthian aggression was checked as long as Rhages remained in Seleucid possession, and Rhagiana along with rest of Media, and the other provinces were safe. While the loss of it to Parthia practically represented the immediate loss of all Rhagiana, which hadn't any other natural protection, and adjacent eastern provinces. After Phraates surmounted the Gates and established lodgment in the plain country beyond them, he resettled a portion of the Amardians from their mountain homes into the city of Charax, west of the Gates, probably on the site now occupied by the ruins known as Uewanikif. Holding this stronghold he imposed a menace to neighboring Rhages, which could scarcely endure against enemy encamped at its doors.[5]

We are not informed, however, of any results which followed on the occupation of Charax during the lifetime of Phraates. As his reign was a short one, it is probable that he died before there was time for his second important conquest to have any further consequences.[6]


Phraates had sufficient warning of his coming decease to make preparations with respect to a successor. Though he had several sons, some of whom were (we must suppose) of sufficient age to have ascended the throne, he left his crown to his brother, Mithridates. He probably conceived that his kingdom require leadership of a firm ruler who could repel either Syrian or Bactrian aggression at any time, and also trust him better than any of his sons to conduct aggressive expeditions with combined vigor and forethought if Parthia pursue the path of conquest, which it entered upon during his reign. We shall see, as the history proceeds, how Mithridates justified his choice.[6]

It also appears that Phraates have borne special affection toward Mithridates, since he takes name of “Philadelphus” (transl. brother-loving) upon his coins. It must have been huge satisfaction to him that he was instantly able by his last act to consult for the good of his country, and to gratify his sentiment on which, evidently, he prided himself.[6]

Phraates I’s son Phraates II was not appointed as a new autocratic king, presumably because of Phraates II’s immaturity, which wasn’t suitable as the country was struggling with famine. Later, Phraates II was appointed by his uncle Mithridates I, as the last named's successor. The appointment was nevertheless in accordance with Mithridates I’s vision of a king that would give the Parthian empire reinforcement. Particularly strong was the desire to conquer Media and the rest of the Haron fortress. -->

See also[edit]



Phraates I
Died: 165 BC
Preceded by
King of Parthia
168–165 BC
Succeeded by
Mithridates I