Tiridate I (King of Parthia)

Tiridat I (Arshak II) - king of Parthia , ruled around 248/247 - 211 BC. e. From the Arshakid dynasty, brother of Arshak I.

Tiridate I (Arshak II)
Image of the Parthian king (possibly Tiridates I) on a coin.
king of Parthia OK. 248/247 - 211 BC e.
Predecessor	Arshak I
Successor	Artaban I
Birth
Death
Kind	Arshakids
Children

Together with his brother Arshak I, Tiridat participated in the conquest of Parthia. Arshak I died in these conquests, at the stage of the founding of the power and Tiridate, who inherited it, can be considered the true founder of the Parthian kingdom. Having ascended the throne, Tiridat assumed the name Arshak II (generally all Parthian kings subsequently bore the throne name Arshak, which creates significant difficulties for historians).

Having established his control over Parthia, Tiridat I subjugated the neighboring region of Hyrcania to his power. Fearing both the Syrian king Seleucus II and the Bactrian king Diodot I , Tiridat created a formidable army. The death of Diodotos eliminated the fears that Tiridat might have, and his union with the son of the deceased Bactrian, who was also called Diodotus , gave the Parthian ruler additional strength. ^[one]

Seleucid king Tsar Seleucus II could not immediately begin to restore his power in the eastern satrapies. He was distracted by the struggle with Egypt and dynastic feuds, and only in 238 BC. e. he was able to go on an eastern campaign. Initially, the Seleucid troops were successful. Tiridat could not resist Seleucus and fled to the nomadic Apasiaki tribe living off the coast of the Aral Sea . ^[2] However, then the Parthians, with the support of nomadic tribes, managed to win. The Syrians were defeated, and later the Parthians annually celebrated this victory as their independence day. ^[3] Athenaeus, with reference to Posidonius, declares that Seleucus II was even captured by the Parthians and lived for some time at the court of Tiridat I, where, however, he was treated royally. ^[four]

The further long reign of Tiridate I passed in peace and tranquility. Justin notes:

“Then, after Seleucus was forced to return to Asia due to the rebellions that broke out again, Arsak, after taking a break, tidies the Parthian kingdom, gathers troops, builds fortresses, fortifies the cities and establishes a city called Dara, located on Mount Apaorten, whose location such that there is no other city more fortified [by nature] and more charming. For Dara is surrounded by steep cliffs on all sides, so that there is no need for defenders to protect it, and the fertility of the surrounding area is so great that this city provides itself with everything necessary. There are so many sources and forests that there is enough water in excess for irrigation, and you can enjoy plenty of hunting. Thus, Arsak not only achieved royal power, but also established his kingdom, which made the Parthians no less memorable than Cyrus for the Persians, Alexander for the Macedonians, and Romulus for the Romans. Arsak died in old age. The Parthians honored his memory in such a way that since then all the Parthian kings have been called the name of Arsac. ” . ^[five]

It is believed that Tiridat I ruled 37 years, and the end of his reign was adopted in 211 BC. e. There is an opinion about the identity of the two rulers of Arshak I and Tiridat I (Arshak II).