Artabanus IV of Parthia

AncientEmperorParthian Empire170 — 224

Last Parthian king of kings, killed by Ardashir.

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Quick Facts

Born

170

Died

224

Country

Parthian Empire

Era

Ancient

Occupation

Emperor

Score Overview

Military (10%)48

Political (20%)31

Influence (20%)44

Legacy (20%)34

Leadership (15%)45

Strategy (15%)44

Total Score39.9

Artabanus IV of Parthia — Complete Timeline

208 AD

Civil War with Vologases VIWar◆ Major

Artabanus IV fought a civil war against his brother Vologases VI for control of the Parthian throne. The conflict weakened the Parthian Empire, dividing its resources and military strength at a critical time.

Civil WarParthian EmpireDynastic Struggle

Impact: nationaldestructive

216 AD

War with Rome under CaracallaWar◆ Major

Roman Emperor Caracalla invaded Parthia, seeking a pretext for war by demanding the hand of Artabanus IV's daughter in marriage. Artabanus refused, and Caracalla attacked, devastating parts of Media and Adiabene.

Roman-Parthian WarInvasionCaracalla

Impact: regionaldestructive

224 AD

Battle of HormozdganWar

Artabanus IV was defeated and killed in battle by Ardashir I, the founder of the Sassanid Empire. This battle ended the Parthian Empire and marked the beginning of Sassanid rule over Persia.

BattleEnd of Parthian EmpireSassanid Rise

Impact: globaltragic

End of the Parthian EmpirePolitical Action

With the death of Artabanus IV, the Parthian Empire, which had ruled Persia for nearly 500 years, came to an end. The Sassanid Empire under Ardashir I replaced it, ushering in a new era of Persian history.

End of EmpireSassanid EmpireHistorical Transition

Impact: globaltragic