Phraates

Related Category: Ancient History, Middle East: Biographies

(frā–ā´tēz), kings of Parthia of the dynasty of Arsaces. Phraates II, fl. 130 B.C., decisively defeated (129 B.C.) Antiochus VII of Syria, permanently annexing E Mesopotamia to his kingdom. Phraates IV, d. 2 B.C., had an early success in driving (36 B.C.) Antony out of Parthia. After 31 B.C., Phraates had to cope with a stubborn rebellion by one of his generals, who briefly usurped the throne. Phraates subsequently acknowledged his dependency to Rome. He died in a palace intrigue.