Mithradates I
Mithradates I, a notable figure from the house of Arsaces, emerged as a prominent leader of the Parni, a group of Persian-speaking nomads, around 260 BCE. The Parni settled in the region that would later become Turkmenistan and northern Iran, eventually becoming known as the Parthians after establishing control over the frontier province of Parthia. Mithradates I ascended to power around 171 BCE during a period of weakness for the Seleucid Greek Empire, which was facing internal strife and external threats. As he consolidated power, he successfully expanded Parthian territory to encompass all of Iran, much of Afghanistan, and parts of Mesopotamia by 144 BCE. His victory over the Seleucid emperor Demetrius II marked a significant turning point, allowing him to claim titles such as shah and "king of kings," which emphasized his role as a restorer of Persian heritage. Mithradates I is credited with laying the institutional foundations of the Parthian state, which would flourish for nearly four centuries, revitalizing Persia as a significant power in the ancient world. His legacy remains a key aspect of Persian history, highlighting the dynamic interactions between nomadic tribes and established empires in the region.
Mithradates I
Related civilizations: Hellenistic Greece, Persia
Major role/position: Statesman
Life
The family of Mithradates I (mihth-rah-DAYT-eez), the house of Arsaces, first appeared in history as leaders of the Parni, a confederation of Persian-speaking nomads. Around 260 b.c.e., the Parni entered what later became Turkmenistan and northern Iran. There they came into contact with the Seleucid Greek empire, which had inherited occupied Persia upon the death of Alexander the Great. Initially Seleucid vassals, the Parni settled the frontier province of Parthia, thereby acquiring the name “Parthians.” Over the decades, they frequently revolted against their Greek overlords.
Around 171 b.c.e., Mithradates took power just as his Seleucid antagonists were distracted by a mix of internal revolts, dynastic civil wars, and military threats from Rome. Posing as kinsman and liberator of the Persians, he steadily conquered all of Iran, much of Afghanistan, and, by 144 b.c.e., Mesopotamia. Around 140 b.c.e., the Seleucid emperor Demetrius II attempted to recover Iraq but instead was outfoxed, defeated, and captured by the Parthians. His empire secured by this victory, Mithradates assumed the titles of shah and “king of kings” to accentuate his position as restorer of Persia’s ancient glories. In his last years, he also created the institutional foundations that established the Parthian state.
Influence
The Parthian empire constructed by Mithradates I would rule Persia for nearly four hundred years (150 b.c.e. to 240 c.e.) and made Persia again a world power.
Bibliography
Wiesehöfer, Josef. Ancient Persia, from 550 b.c. to 650 a.d. London: I. B. Tauris, 1996.
Yarshater, Ehsan, ed. The Cambridge History of Iran. Vol. 3, part 1. New York: Cambridge University Press, 1993.