Artabanus III of Parthia
90
King
Here is a revised and streamlined memorial biography for Artabanus III of Parthia, based strictly on well-supported facts from reliable sources:
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Artabanus III (Parthian: 𐭍𐘐𐭕𐭓 Ardawān), sometimes misnumbered as Artabanus IV in older works due to divergent regnal numbering, was a Parthian prince and rival claimant to the throne during the late 1st century CE. He was the son of Vologases I and asserted his claim to the Parthian crown in opposition to his brother Pacorus II around 79 or 80 CE, maintaining it until approximately 81 CE (en.wikipedia.org).
Artabanus's support appears to have been quite limited, largely confined to the province of Babylonia. Coinage attributed to him was minted at Seleucia, particularly during 80/81 CE—a clear numismatic indication of his contested authority in that region (en.wikipedia.org).
One of the most notable episodes associated with his brief bid for power involves his reception of Terentius Maximus, a self-proclaimed "Pseudo‑Nero." According to Roman accounts, Artabanus initially offered refuge and even prepared to support the pretender’s return to Rome. However, upon discovering that Terentius was an impostor, these plans were halted, and the pretender was ultimately executed (en.wikipedia.org).
After 81 CE, coin issues bearing Artabanus’s name abruptly ceased, strongly suggesting that Pacorus II had successfully suppressed his challenge and retained the throne (en.wikipedia.org).
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Summary of Verified Facts
- Name and numbering: Artabanus III of Parthia (also miscalled Artabanus IV in older scholarship) (en.wikipedia.org).
- Time of claim: Challenged Pacorus II between circa 79/80 CE to 81 CE (en.wikipedia.org).
- Support base: Primarily Babylonia, evidenced by coinage from Seleucia (kiwix.scoggi.net).
- Interaction with Pseudo‑Nero: Gave refuge to Terentius Maximus, later withdrew support upon discovering his imposture (en.wikipedia.org).
- Demise and end of coinage: His coinage ends after 81 CE, indicating his defeat by Pacorus II (en.wikipedia.org).
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If you’d like, I can add context about the political background of Parthia at the time or details about Pacorus II's reign to further enhance this biography.