Phraates IV

AncientEmperorParthian Empire-60 — -2

Parthian king who negotiated with Augustus over Roman standards.

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Quick Facts

Born

60 BCE

Died

2 BCE

Country

Parthian Empire

Era

Ancient

Occupation

Emperor

Score Overview

Military (10%)30

Political (20%)68

Influence (20%)57

Legacy (20%)49

Leadership (15%)40

Strategy (15%)60

Total Score51.8

Phraates IV — Complete Timeline

37 BC

Murder of his Father Orodes IIPolitical Action◆ Major

Phraates IV murdered his father Orodes II and his brothers to secure the Parthian throne. This act of fratricide and patricide destabilized the Parthian court and led to a period of internal conflict and noble revolts.

UsurpationRegicideCivil War

Impact: nationaldestructive

32 BC

Revolt of Tiridates IIWar◆ Major

Phraates IV faced a rebellion by the Parthian noble Tiridates II, who briefly seized the throne and minted coins in his own name. Phraates was forced to flee to the Scythians before returning with aid to crush the revolt and regain power.

Civil WarRebellionScythian Alliance

Impact: nationaldestructive

20 BC

Negotiation of the Treaty with AugustusPolitical Action

Phraates IV negotiated a diplomatic settlement with the Roman emperor Augustus, returning the Roman standards captured at Carrhae and releasing Roman prisoners. In exchange, Augustus recognized Parthian control over Armenia and established a period of peace between the two empires.

Roman-Parthian RelationsDiplomacyStandards

Impact: regionalconstructive