Orodes II of Parthia

AncientEmperorParthian Empire-70 — -38

Defeated Crassus at Carrhae, killed his son.

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Quick Facts

Born

70 BCE

Died

38 BCE

Country

Parthian Empire

Era

Ancient

Occupation

Emperor

Score Overview

Military (10%)78

Political (20%)54

Influence (20%)58

Legacy (20%)50

Leadership (15%)66

Strategy (15%)68

Total Score59.6

Orodes II of Parthia — Complete Timeline

54 BC

Murder of Mithridates IIIPolitical Action

Orodes II ordered the murder of his brother Mithridates III, who had contested the throne. This act consolidated Orodes' power but deepened the dynastic strife within the Arsacid family.

FratricideDynastic StruggleConsolidation

Impact: nationaldestructive

53 BC

Battle of CarrhaeWar

Orodes II's general Surena defeated the Roman army under Marcus Licinius Crassus at Carrhae. Crassus was killed, and the Parthians captured the Roman legionary standards, marking one of Rome's worst military disasters.

Roman-Parthian WarsMajor VictoryCrassus

Impact: global

52 BC

Execution of SurenaPolitical Action◆ Major

Orodes II executed his general Surena shortly after the victory at Carrhae, fearing his growing popularity and power. This act eliminated a key military leader and weakened Parthia's military capacity.

ExecutionPolitical PurgeSurena

Impact: nationaldestructive

51 BC

Invasion of ArmeniaWar

Orodes II invaded Armenia to install his son Pacorus I on the Armenian throne. This campaign expanded Parthian influence into the Caucasus but also provoked Roman retaliation.

Armenian CampaignExpansionPacorus I

Impact: regional

38 BC

Death of Pacorus I and Orodes' GriefWar◆ Major

Orodes II's son and heir Pacorus I was killed in battle against Roman forces at Gindarus. Orodes, devastated by the loss, abdicated the throne in favor of his son Phraates IV and died shortly after.

Battle DeathSuccession CrisisAbdication

Impact: nationaltragic