Phraates IV of Parthia

Phraates IV murdered his father, Phraates III, with the help of his brothers to seize the Parthian throne. This act of patricide initiated a period of dynastic instability and civil war in Parthia.

Phraates IV successfully defended Parthia against a major Roman invasion led by Mark Antony. Antony's campaign ended in disaster, with heavy Roman losses due to Parthian tactics and harsh terrain, securing Parthian independence.

Phraates IV faced a rebellion from the usurper Tiridates II, who briefly seized control of Parthia. Phraates regained the throne with the help of Scythian allies, crushing the revolt and executing Tiridates.

Phraates IV negotiated the return of the Roman legionary standards lost at the Battle of Carrhae in 53 BC. In exchange, he secured peace with Augustus and the recognition of Parthian control over Armenia.

Phraates IV was murdered by his son Phraates V (Phraataces) and his wife Musa, who then seized the throne. This assassination continued the pattern of dynastic violence in the Arsacid dynasty.