Vologases I of Parthia

Vologaeses I was a Parthian king who ruled 51-76 / 80.

Life

Vologaeses I. was the son of Vonones II ( and according to one version of the life story of a Greek concubine ). At the beginning of his reign he gave his brother Pacorus the throne of Media and another brother, Tiridates, the throne of Armenia. The latter gave the Romans a pretext to intervene, as they laid claim to Armenia. The general Corbulo attacked 58 and could even Artaxata, the capital of Armenia are taking. Vologaeses I probably had to fight in this time with internal difficulties and could not therefore intervene. The following year, therefore Corbulo could take the important town Tigranocerta. A counterattack of Tiridates failed and Armenia came nominally under Roman rule. It was not until 63 Vologaeses could intervene I. and reconquer Armenia. Tiridates was king of Armenia again, but the crown of Rome, he was awarded that could so preserve a certain influence.

Under Vologaeses I. the elements of Greek culture were pushed back in Parthia. It is possible that this is related to the dependence of Rome to the Greek cultural heritage. He is the first Parthian king, will appear on their coins Aramaic legends. A fire altar appears on the back of some coins. Vologaeses I. founded a new city, Vologesias. In addition, some cities ( Susa, Merv ) were no longer named with their Greek names, but with local name since his time. Some antikings to Vologaeses I. are known only by their coins forth.