Articles

Andragoras or Arsaces I: Who was the Founder of the Parthian State?

Vostok/Oriens '2013, №3

 
During the 240ths B.C., the situation in the Seleucid satrapy Parthyene became worse due to appearance on its northern borders of nomadic tribe of Parni, who settled in Ochus valley (Atrek – Sumbar). At the same time during the third Syrian War Ptolemy's troops captured Syria and reached Babylon in 246 B.C. Then “Fraternal war” took place. C. 238 B.C., Seleucus II was catastrophically defeated at Ancyra (Asia Minor) by his brother Antiochus Hierax, lost his army and was considered as dead for some time. Between 238 and 235 B.C., the king faced a quite significant rebellion in Babylonian area. Under such conditions, the leader of Parni Arsaces, considering the fact that satrap Andragoras could not expect support from anyone, invaded into Parthyene and founded the Arsacid state.

Keywords: Andragoras, Arsaces, Parthyene

Pages: с. 15–21