Anak the Parthian

Who is Anak the Parthian?

Anak the Parthian, also known as Anak Pahlavi was a Parthian noble that lived during the time of Arsacid Armenia.

Anak was an Armenian Parthian nobleman, who was a prince said to be related to the Arsacid Kings of Armenia or was from the House of Suren, one of the seven branches of the ruling Arsacid dynasty of Bactria.

Little is known on the life of Anak. Anak married a Parthian noblewoman called Okohe. Okohe bore Anak sons. Among their children was Gregory.

Ardashir I and his son Shapur I, had incited Anak to murder King Khosrov II of Armenia promising to return his own domain as a reward. Ardashir I was alarmed by the military victories that Khosrov II with his late father, Tiridates II of Armenia had against him, as he wanted to expand the Sassanid Empire which he wanted to annex Armenia.

Anak had won the trust of Khosrov II and had travelled to Vagharshapat. When Anak arrived in Vagharshapat he pretended to take refuge in the Armenian dominions from the persecution of Ardashir I. Anak was hospitably received in Vagharshapat by Khosrov II and then Anak struck Khosrov II in the heart. Khosrov II with his wife, were both killed by Anak. Anak was furiously pursued by the Armenian soldiers. While the Armenian soldiers pursued Anak, he drowned in the Aras River.