Gotarzes II of Parthia vs Libius Severus

Gotarzes II seized the Parthian throne by force, overthrowing the legitimate king Artabanus II's successor. His usurpation triggered a period of civil war and instability in Parthia.

Gotarzes II fought a civil war against his rival Vardanes I, who also claimed the throne. The conflict ended with Vardanes' assassination, leaving Gotarzes as the sole ruler of Parthia.

Gotarzes II murdered his brother Meherdates, who had been sent by Rome to claim the Parthian throne. This act eliminated a rival and consolidated Gotarzes' power, but deepened the rift with Rome.

Gotarzes II attempted to assert Parthian control over Armenia, leading to conflict with Rome. The dispute was unresolved at his death, contributing to the ongoing Roman-Parthian rivalry.

After the death of Majorian, the magister militum Ricimer proclaimed Libius Severus as Western Roman Emperor. Severus was a senator with no significant military or political experience, and his reign was entirely controlled by Ricimer.

During Severus's reign, the Western Roman Empire lost effective control over several provinces. The Eastern Emperor Leo I refused to recognize him, and the general Aegidius established an independent domain in Gaul, further fragmenting imperial authority.

Libius Severus died, possibly poisoned by Ricimer, after a reign of four years. His death left the Western imperial throne vacant for two years, as Ricimer did not immediately appoint a successor, highlighting the powerlessness of the emperor.