Vardanes I

Who was Vardanes I?

Vardanes I of Parthia was a Prince of Iranian and Greek ancestry. He ruled the Parthian Empire as King from about 40 until 45 CE. He succeeded his father Artabanus III, but had to continually fight against his brother Gotarzes II, a rival claimant to the throne.

His coins show that he was in full possession of the throne from about 40 to 45. In 43, he forced the city of Seleucia to submit to the Parthians again after a rebellion of seven years. Ctesiphon, the residence of the kings on the bank of the Tigris, opposite to Seleucia, naturally profited by this war and Vardanes I is therefore called founder of Ctesiphon by Ammianus Marcellinus. He also prepared for a war against the Roman Empire, with the aim of reconquering Armenia, but ultimately decided against facing the Roman legions.

In a new war with Gotarzes II, he gained a great success against the eastern nomads. According to Tacitus, Vardanes I was expelled temporarily from the throne by Gotarzes II, and fled to take refuge "in the plains of the Bactrians". Once he resumed power, he led a victorious campaign against the Dahae army of Gotarzes II, as far as the Sindes River. Vardanes I is praised by Tacitus as a young and highly gifted ruler of great energy, but lacking in humanity. In about 47 he was assassinated while hunting and Gotarzes II became King again.