Vologases V of Parthia

Vologaeses V. was a Parthian king who ruled from about 191-207.

Life

Vologaeses V. took advantage of the weakness of the former Roman Empire and promoted, even in the reign of Vologaeses IV, unrest in the Roman vassal states Osroene and Adiabene.

However, the Roman emperor Septimius Severus could win 195 these states through a campaign for Rome, but was then occupied with affairs in the west of his empire. Vologaeses V. then attacked Mesopotamia, however, had to contend with a rebellion of the Medes and Persians. In 197 Septimius Severus fell back into Mesopotamia and was the capital Ctesiphon and other places plunder. The inhabitants of Ctesiphon were sold into slavery. When food was scarce, he drew back and tried unsuccessfully to capture Hatra. In northern Mesopotamia, the Emperor established the ( short-lived ) Roman province of Mesopotamia and stationed two legions to protect it. Vologaeses V. died in 207, his son Vologaeses VI. became his successor.

Under Vologaeses V. significant decay in all areas of life Parthia are detectable. The coin legends are often barely legible. The image of the ruler is often degenerated into a caricature. Apparently the various wars, but also the plague have not been kind to the Reich.