Editing List of monarchs of Iran (section)

== Ancient Iran ({{Circa}} 727 BC–AD 651) ==

=== Medes ({{Circa}} 727–550 BC) ===
{{See also|Median kingdom|Medes}}
[[File:Median (greatest extent).svg|thumb|The "Median Empire according to [[Herodotus]]|190px]]
The [[Median dynasty#Genealogy|Median dynasty]] is traditionally considered to have ruled the earliest Iranian state.{{Sfn|Dandamayev|2021|p=1630}}{{Sfn|Katouzian|2013|p=xii}}{{Sfn|Gaube|2008|p=161}} Whether the Medes ruled an imperial state or merely a loose tribal confederation is disputed among historians.{{Sfn|Shenkar|2014|p=5}} Median history is reconstructed almost solely through ancient Greek sources (particularly [[Herodotus]]) and disregards Near Eastern sources, which are fragmentary and do not support the existence of a unified Median Empire.{{Sfn|Rollinger|2021|pp=337–338}} There is also no material or textual evidence left behind by the supposed empire itself.{{Sfn|Rollinger|2021|p=344}}{{efn|There is no archaeological evidence of any Median imperial centers, no documentary archives from Median administrations, and no contemporary correspondence between foreign kings and Median rulers.{{Sfn|Rollinger|2021|p=344}}}} The chronology and names of the Median kings mainly derives from the work of Herodotus.{{Sfn|Diakonoff|2003|p=112}}{{efn|[[Ctesias]], another ancient Greek historian, also wrote a list of Median rulers though it differs completely from that of Herodotus except for the name of the last king ([[Astyages]]).{{Sfn|Rollinger|2021|p=344}}}}

No ruling title is securely attested for the Median rulers. They might have used the title ''xšāyaθiya xšāyaθiyānām'' ({{Literal translation|[[King of Kings]]}}).{{sfn|Frye|1984|p=78}} [[Ecbatana]] was the Median capital.{{Sfn|Kuhrt|2021|p=404}}

{| class="wikitable"
! Portrait
! Name
! Reign
! Succession
|-
|{{Centre|—}}
|'''[[Deioces]]'''
|{{Circa}} 727–675 BC{{Sfn|Diakonoff|2003|p=113}}<br/><small>({{Circa}} 52 years)</small>
|First king of the Medes according to Herodotus. Perhaps elected by popular assembly.{{Sfn|Diakonoff|2003|p=109}}
|-
|{{Centre|—}}
|'''[[Phraortes]]'''
|{{Circa}} 674–653 BC{{Sfn|Diakonoff|2003|p=113}}<br/><small>({{Circa}} 21 years)</small>
|Son of Deioces{{Sfn|Dandamayev|Medvedskaya|2006}}
|-
|colspan="4" style="background:#E6E6E6;"|'''Interregnum {{Circa}} 652 – 625 BC'''{{Sfn|Diakonoff|2003|p=113}}<br />The Medes were invaded by [[Scythians]], perhaps under a ruler named [[Madyes]], who established some form of hegemony.{{Sfn|Diakonoff|2003|p=118}}<br>The Scythian rulers were defeated by Cyaxares after about three decades, restoring the Medes to their previous power.{{Sfn|Diakonoff|2003|p=119}}
|-
|[[File:Qyzqapan tomb relief 2.jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Cyaxares]]'''
|{{Circa}} 624–585 BC{{Sfn|Diakonoff|2003|p=113}}<br/><small>({{Circa}} 39 years)</small>
|Son of Phraortes{{Sfn|Dandamayev|Medvedskaya|2006}}
|-
|{{Centre|—}}
|'''[[Astyages]]'''
|{{Circa}} 584{{Sfn|Diakonoff|2003|p=113}}–550 BC{{Sfn|Briant|2002|p=32}}<br/><small>({{Circa}} 34 years)</small>
|Son of Cyaxares{{Sfn|Dandamayev|Medvedskaya|2006}}
|}
{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="text-align:center; width:80%;"
|+ Later pretenders (521 BC)
|-
! width="7%" |Portrait
! width="27%" |Name
! width="32%" |Tenure
! width="34%" |Succession
|-
|[[File:Behistun Relief Phraortes.jpg|65px]]
|[[Phraortes (rebel)|Phraortes II]]
|521 BC{{Sfn|Brosius|2021|pp=48, 53–54}}<br /><small>(less than a year)</small>
|Rebel in [[Media (region)|Media]] against [[Darius the Great|Darius I]] of the [[Achaemenid Empire]]. Claimed kinship with [[Cyaxares]].{{Sfn|Brosius|2021|pp=48, 53–54}}
|-
|[[File:Behistun Relief, Tritantaechmes.jpg|65px]]
|[[Tritantaechmes]]
|521 BC{{Sfn|Brosius|2021|pp=48, 53–54}}<br /><small>(less than a year)</small>
|Rebel in [[Sagartians|Sagartia]] against Darius I of the Achaemenid Empire. Claimed kinship with Cyaxares.{{Sfn|Brosius|2021|pp=48, 53–54}}
|}

=== Achaemenid Empire (550–330 BC) ===
{{See also|Achaemenid dynasty|Achaemenid Empire|List of Achaemenid emperors}}
[[File:Achaemenid (greatest extent).svg|thumb|The [[Achaemenid Empire]] under [[Darius the Great]]|190px]]
The [[Achaemenid dynasty]] originated as local rulers of [[Anshan (Persia)|Anshan]] under Median suzerainty. They are attributed various ancestors in later legends, including an eponymous figure called "[[Achaemenes]]". The earliest securely historical Achaemenid ruler is [[Cyrus I]], king of Anshan in the second half of the seventh century BC.{{Sfn|Middleton|2015|p=148}} The Achaemenids united all [[Persians|Persian]] tribes under Cyrus I's son [[Cambyses I]]. Under Cambyses I's son, [[Cyrus the Great|Cyrus II]], the Achaemenids defeated the Medes and established the [[Achaemenid Empire]],{{Sfn|Middleton|2015|p=148}} the largest ever Iranian state.{{Sfn|Shenkar|2014|p=5}}

The standard title used by Achaemenid rulers in Iran from Cyrus II onwards was ''xšāyaθiya xšāyaθiyānām'', ''xšāyaθiya dahyūnām'' ({{Literal translation|King of Kings, [[King of the Lands]]}}).{{Sfn|Dandamaev|1989|p=55}} The royal title varied in other parts of the empire.{{efn|In [[Babylonia]], the standard title up until the reign of [[Xerxes I]] was '[[List of kings of Babylon|King of Babylon]], King of the Lands'.{{Sfn|Dandamaev|1989|p=55}} In more elaborate contexts, the royal style could be augmented with additional titles, such as "the Great King" and "King in Persia".{{Sfn|Waters|2016|p=99}} The Achaemenid king was referred to as "the Great King" by the [[Ancient Greece|Greeks]] and as the "Lord of Kings" by the [[Phoenicia|Phoenicians]].{{Sfn|Dandamaev|1989|p=55}}}} The Achaemenids had several royal cities, including [[Pasargadae]], [[Susa]], [[Ecbatana]], [[Babylon]], [[Bactra]], and [[Persepolis]].{{Sfn|Brosius|2021|pp=67–68}}

{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="text-align:center; width:80%;"
|+ Early local rulers in Anshan ({{Circa}} 620–550 BC)
|-
! width="7%" |Portrait
! width="27%" |Name
! width="32%" |Reign
! width="34%" |Succession
|-
|[[File:Cyrus I on horseback, seal.png|65px]]
|[[Cyrus I]]
|{{Circa}} 620–590 BC{{Sfn|Bryce|2009|p=800}}<br/><small>({{Circa}} 30 years)</small>
|Earliest historical Achaemenid ruler{{Sfn|Middleton|2015|p=148}}
|-
|{{Centre|—}}
|[[Cambyses I]]
|{{Circa}} 590–559 BC{{Sfn|Bryce|2009|p=800}}<br/><small>({{Circa}} 31 years)</small>
|Son of Cyrus I{{Sfn|Middleton|2015|p=148}}
|-
|[[File:Olympic Park Cyrus-3.jpg|87x87px]]
|[[Cyrus the Great|Cyrus II]]
|{{Circa}} 559{{Sfn|Bryce|2009|p=800}}–550 BC{{Sfn|Briant|2002|p=32}}<br/><small>({{Circa}} 9 years)</small>
|Son of Cambyses I{{Sfn|Middleton|2015|p=148}}
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; width:80%;"

! width="7%" |Portrait
! width="27%" |Name
! width="32%" |Reign
! width="34%" |Succession
|-
|[[File:Olympic Park Cyrus-3.jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Cyrus the Great|Cyrus II]]'''<br/><small>''the Great''</small>
|{{Circa}} 550{{Sfn|Briant|2002|p=32}} – November (?) 530 BC{{Sfn|Dandamaev|1989|p=351}}<br/><small>({{Circa}} 20 years)</small>
|Defeated Astyages and captured Ecbatana {{Circa}} 550 BC.{{Sfn|Briant|2002|p=32}} Married [[Amytis (daughter of Astyages)|Amytis]], daughter of Astyages, according to ancient Greek historians.{{Sfn|Briant|2002|p=33}}
|-
|[[File:Gambyses II.jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Cambyses II]]'''
|August 530 – July 522 BC{{Sfn|Dandamaev|1989|p=351}}<br/><small>({{Age in years, months and days|-530|8||-522|7|}})</small>
|Son of Cyrus II{{Sfn|Middleton|2015|p=148}}
|-
|[[File:Gaumata portrait on the Behistun inscription.jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Bardiya]]'''
|1 July – 29 September 522 BC{{Sfn|Dandamaev|1989|p=351}}<br/><small>({{Age in years, months and days|-522|7|1|-522|9|29}})</small>
|Son of Cyrus II (possibly an impostor).{{Sfn|Briant|2002|p=107}} Revolted against Cambyses on 11 March 522 BC and proclaimed himself ruler on 1 July.{{Sfn|Dandamaev|1989|p=351}}
|-
|[[File:Portrait of Darius the Great at Behistun.jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Darius the Great|Darius I]]'''<br/><small>''the Great''</small>
|29 September 522{{Sfn|Dandamaev|1989|p=351}} – October 486 BC{{Sfn|Dandamaev|1989|p=178}}<br /><small>({{Age in years, months and days|-522|9|29|-486|10|}})</small>
|Claimed descent from [[Teispes]] (supposed father of Cyrus I). Seized the throne from Bardiya.{{Sfn|Briant|2002|p=110}}
|-
|[[File:National Meusem Darafsh 37.JPG|65px]]
|'''[[Xerxes I]]'''<br/><small>''the Great''</small>
|October 486{{Sfn|Dandamaev|1989|p=178}} – August 465 BC{{Sfn|Dandamaev|1989|p=353}}<br /><small>({{Age in years, months and days|-486|10||-465|8|}})</small>
|Son of Darius I{{Sfn|Briant|2002|p=524}} and [[Atossa]] (daughter of Cyrus II){{Sfn|Llewellyn-Jones|2017|p=74}}
|-
|[[File:Relief of Artaxerxes I, from his tomb in Naqsh-e Rustam.jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Artaxerxes I]]'''<br/><small>''Longimanus''</small>
|August 465{{Sfn|Dandamaev|1989|p=353}} – {{Circa}} December 424 BC{{Sfn|Briant|2002|p=588}}<br /><small>(41 years and {{Circa}} 4 months)</small>
|Son of Xerxes I{{Sfn|Briant|2002|p=570}}
|-
|[[File:Coin of Achaemenid Empire (Xerxes II to Artaxerxes II) (Cropped).jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Xerxes II]]'''
|{{Circa}} December 424 – {{Circa}} January 423 BC{{Sfn|Briant|2002|p=588}}<br /><small>(45 days){{Sfn|Briant|2002|p=588}}</small>
|Son of Artaxerxes I{{Sfn|Briant|2002|p=588}}
|-
|[[File:Daric coin of the Achaemenid Empire (Xerxes II to Artaxerxes II) (Cropped).jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Sogdianus]]'''
|{{Circa}} January – February 423 BC{{Sfn|Briant|2002|p=588}}<br /><small>({{Circa}} 1 month)</small>
|Illegitimate son of Artaxerxes I.{{Sfn|Briant|2002|p=588}} Seized the throne from Xerxes II.{{Sfn|Briant|2002|p=772}}
|-
|[[File:Darius ii.png|65px]]
|'''[[Darius II]]'''<br/><small>(Ochus)</small>
|February 423 – March 404 BC{{Sfn|Dandamaev|1989|p=353}}<br /><small>({{Age in years, months and days|-423|2||-404|3|}})</small>
|Illegitimate son of Artaxerxes I.{{Sfn|Briant|2002|p=588}} Seized the throne from Sogdianus.{{Sfn|Briant|2002|p=772}}
|-
|[[File:Artaxerxes II relief portrait detail.jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Artaxerxes II]]'''<br/><small>(Arsakes)</small>
|March 404{{Sfn|Dandamaev|1989|p=353}} – spring (?) 358 BC{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=160}}<br /><small>(46 years)</small>
|Son of Darius II{{Sfn|Briant|2002|p=521}}
|-
|[[File:Rock relief of Artaxerxes III in Persepolis.jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Artaxerxes III]]'''<br/><small>(Ochus)</small>
|Spring (?) 358 – September (?) 338 BC{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=161}}<br /><small>(20 years)</small>
|Son of Artaxerxes II{{Sfn|Briant|2002|p=681}}
|-
|[[File:Artaxerxes IV Arses.jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Arses of Persia|Artaxerxes IV]]'''<br/><small>(Arses)</small>
|September (?) 338 – June 336 BC{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=161}}<br /><small>(2 years)</small>
|Son of Artaxerxes III{{Sfn|Sparkes|2010|p=495}}
|-
|[[File:Darius III mosaic.jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Darius III]]'''<br/><small>(Artashata)</small>
|June 336{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=161}} – July 330 BC{{Sfn|Binder|2021|p=469}}<br /><small>(6 years)</small>
|Great-grandson of Darius II{{Sfn|Sparkes|2010|p=495}}
|}
{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="text-align:center; width:80%;"
|+ Later pretenders (330–329 BC)
|-
! width="7%" |Portrait
! width="27%" |Name
! width="32%" |Tenure
! width="34%" |Succession
|-
|[[File:Alexander Executes Janusiyar and Mahiyar, the Slayers of Darius", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi MET (cropped).jpg|65px]]
|[[Bessus|Artaxerxes V]]<br/><small>(Bessus)</small>
|July 330{{Sfn|Binder|2021|p=469}} – spring 329 BC{{Sfn|Stark|2021|pp=701–702}}<br /><small>(less than a year)</small>
|[[Satrap]] of [[Bactria]],{{Sfn|Stark|2021|pp=701–702}} part of the Achaemenid dynasty.{{Sfn|Binder|2021|p=469}} Murdered Darius III and proclaimed himself as his successor, ruling several eastern satrapies in opposition to [[Alexander the Great]].{{Sfn|Binder|2021|p=469}}
|}

=== Hellenistic rule (331–129 BC) ===
{{See also|Hellenistic period}}

==== Alexander's empire (331–305 BC) ====
{{See also|Argead dynasty}}
[[File:Macedonia (ancient kingdom, greatest extent).svg|thumb|[[Alexander the Great]]'s empire|190px]]
The Achaemenid Empire was defeated and conquered by [[Alexander the Great]], king of [[Macedonia (ancient kingdom)|Macedonia]], in 331{{Sfn|Roux|1992|p=412}}–329 BC.{{Sfn|Stark|2021|pp=701–702}} After Alexander's death in 323 BC, the [[Wars of the Diadochi]] broke out between his successors, leading to the rapid disintegration of the empire.{{Sfn|Shenkar|2014|p=5}}

Alexander did not assume the former Achaemenid royal title of 'King of Kings'.{{Sfn|Worthington|2003|p=139}}{{Sfn|Hammond|1993|p=13}} His main royal title, appearing on coins intended for his Asian territories, was instead ''[[basileus]]'' ({{Literal translation|king}}).{{Sfn|Worthington|2003|p=139}} To mark his rule over the Achaemenid territories he also sometimes used the new title "Lord of Asia" (sometimes "King of Asia").{{Sfn|Worthington|2003|p=139}} The only royal title recorded for Alexander's two immediate heirs is ''basileus''.{{Sfn|Carney|1991|p=157}} Alexander ruled his empire from [[Babylon]]{{Sfn|Sykes|2011|p=40}} and planned to establish Babylon and [[Alexandria]] in Egypt as the twin imperial capitals.{{Sfn|Roux|1992|p=412}} From 319 BC onwards, Alexander's heirs resided in Macedonia while the regency in Asia was contested by several generals.{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=113}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; width:80%;"
! width="7%" |Portrait
! width="27%" |Name
! width="32%" |Reign
! width="34%" |Succession
|-
|[[File:Alexander the Great mosaic (cropped).jpg|65px]]
|[[Alexander the Great|'''Alexander''']]{{Efn|Enumerated as Alexander III as king of Macedon (after [[Alexander I of Macedon|Alexander I]] and [[Alexander II of Macedon|Alexander II]]).}}<br/><small>''the Great''</small>
|1 October 331{{Sfn|Roux|1992|p=412}}{{efn|The date of Alexander's victory at the [[Battle of Gaugamela]], which opened the way for his conquest of [[Babylonia]] and Persia.{{Sfn|Roux|1992|p=412}}}} – 10/11 June 323 BC{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=112}}<br /><small>(7 years, 8 months and 10/11 days)</small>
|Conquered the Achaemenid Empire{{Sfn|Shenkar|2014|p=5}}
|-
|[[File:Philip Arrhidaeus Pharaoh.jpg|65px]]
|[[Philip III of Macedon|'''Philip''' Arrhidaeus]]{{Efn|Enumerated as Philip III as king of Macedon (after [[Philip I of Macedon|Philip I]] and [[Philip II of Macedon|Philip II]]).}}
|June 323 – late 317 BC{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=112}}<br /><small>(6 years)</small>
|Brother of Alexander the Great{{sfn|Frye|1984|p=149}}
|-
|[[File:Alexander Aegus Pharaoh.jpg|65px]]
|[[Alexander IV of Macedon|'''Alexander''' Aegus]]{{Efn|Enumerated as Alexander IV as king of Macedon (after [[Alexander I of Macedon|Alexander I]], [[Alexander II of Macedon|Alexander II]], and Alexander the Great).}}
|August 323{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=112}} – 309 BC{{Sfn|Mørkholm|2001|p=187}} (305 BC){{efn|Alexander IV's murder by his regent [[Cassander]] in 309 BC was not made public knowledge until 306/305 BC and he thus continued to be recognized as king posthumously for an additional 3–4 years.{{Sfn|Mørkholm|2001|p=187}}}}<br /><small>(14 years, recognized for 18 years)</small>
|Son of Alexander the Great{{sfn|Frye|1984|p=149}}
|}

==== Seleucid Empire (305–129 BC) ====
{{See also|Seleucid dynasty|Seleucid Empire}}
[[File:Seleucid Empire (greatest extent).svg|thumb|The [[Seleucid Empire]] under [[Seleucus I Nicator]]|190px]]
The main Hellenistic successors of Alexander's empire in Iran were the [[Seleucid dynasty|Seleucids]], descendants of the Macedonian general [[Seleucus I Nicator]] and the Iranian noblewoman [[Apama]].{{Sfn|Bickerman|2003|p=3}} Seleucus seized most of the east, including [[Babylonia]], in the [[Wars of the Diadochi]] and was firmly in control in the region from 312 BC onwards.{{Sfn|Roux|1992|p=413}} After Alexander IV's death became public knowledge in 305 BC, Seleucus proclaimed himself king.{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=118}}

The main royal title used by the Seleucids was ''basileus'', as was the case for the other Macedonian successor kingdoms (such as the [[Ptolemaic Kingdom]]).{{Sfn|Watson|2009|p=54}} Only two Seleucid rulers ([[Antiochus III the Great|Antiochus III]], 223–187 BC, and [[Antiochus VII Sidetes|Antiochus VII]], 139–129 BC) used the greater ''megas basileus'' ('Great King'),{{Sfn|Strootman|2020|p=147}} the style applied to Achaemenid kings in ancient Greek sources.{{Sfn|Dandamaev|1989|p=55}} The Seleucids at first ruled from [[Seleucia]] in Mesopotamia, though [[Antioch]] was soon made the main capital.{{Sfn|Kia|2016|p=287}}

{| class="wikitable"
! Portrait
! Name
! Reign
! Succession
|-
|[[File:Seleucos Nicator Louvre Ma3597 n3.jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Seleucus I Nicator|Seleucus I]]'''<br /><small>''Nicator''</small>
|305{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=118}} – September 280 BC{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=119}}<br /><small>(25 years)</small>
|Former general under Alexander the Great. Held most of the east of his empire from 312 BC onwards{{Sfn|Roux|1992|p=413}} and proclaimed king in 305 BC.{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=118}}
|-
|[[File:Antiochos I Soter tetradrachm obverse.jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Antiochus I Soter|Antiochus I]]'''<br /><small>''Soter''</small>
|September 280 – 261 BC{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=119}}<br /><small>(19 years)</small>
|Son of Seleucus I{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=119}}
|-
|[[File:Antiochos II Theos portrait.jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Antiochus II Theos|Antiochus II]]'''<br /><small>''Theos''</small>
|261–246 BC{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=119}}<br /><small>(15 years)</small>
|Son of Antiochus I{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=119}}
|-
|[[File:Coin of Seleucus II Callinicus (cropped), Antioch mint.jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Seleucus II Callinicus|Seleucus II]]'''<br /><small>''Callinicus''</small>
|246–226 BC{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=119}}<br /><small>(20 years)</small>
|Son of Antiochus II{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=119}}
|-
|[[File:Seleukos III Keraunos, Tetradrachm, 226-223 BC, HGC 3-414c (obverse).jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Seleucus III Ceraunus|Seleucus III]]'''<br /><small>''Ceraunus''</small>
|226–223 BC{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=119}}<br /><small>(3 years)</small>
|Son of Seleucus II{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=119}}
|-
|[[File:Male head wearing a head-band resembling king of Syria Antiochus III (223–187 BC), late 1st century BC–early 1st century AD, Louvre Museum (7462828632).jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Antiochus III the Great|Antiochus III]]'''<br /><small>''the Great''</small>
|223–187 BC{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=119}}<br /><small>(36 years)</small>
|Son of Seleucus II{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=119}}
|-
|[[File:Seleukos IV tetradrachm obverse.jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Seleucus IV Philopator|Seleucus IV]]'''<br /><small>''Philopator''</small>
|187–175 BC{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=119}}<br /><small>(12 years)</small>
|Son of Antiochus III{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=119}}
|-
|[[File:Antiochus IV Epiphanes - Altes Museum - Berlin - Germany 2017.jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Antiochus IV Epiphanes|Antiochus IV]]'''<br /><small>''Epiphanes''</small>
|175 – late 164 BC{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=119}}<br /><small>(11 years)</small>
|Son of Antiochus III{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=119}}
|-
|[[File:Antiochos V Eupator tetradrachm obverse.jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Antiochus V Eupator|Antiochus V]]'''<br /><small>''Eupator''</small>
|Late 164 – 162 BC{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=119}}<br /><small>(2 years)</small>
|Son of Antiochus IV{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=119}}
|-
|[[File:Demetrios I Soter, Tetradrachm, 162-150 BC, SC 1611.3 Obverse.jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Demetrius I Soter|Demetrius I]]'''<br /><small>''Soter''</small>
|162–150 BC{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=119}}<br /><small>(12 years)</small>
|Son of Seleucus IV. Overthrew Antiochus IV.{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=119}}
|-
|[[File:Coin of Alexander I Balas, Antioch mint.jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Alexander Balas|Alexander]]'''<br /><small>''Balas''</small>
|152–145 BC{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=119}}<br /><small>(7 years)</small>
|Alleged son of Antiochus IV. Rival king against Demetrius I, supported by the [[Roman Empire]].{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=119}}
|-
|[[File:Antiochus VI - face.jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Antiochus VI Dionysus|Antiochus VI]]'''<br /><small>''Dionysus''</small>
|145–142 BC{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=119}}<br /><small>(3 years)</small>
|Son of Alexander Balas{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=119}}
|-
|[[File:Coin of Demetrius II Nicator (cropped), Ptolemais in Phoenicia mint.jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Demetrius II Nicator|Demetrius II]]'''<br /><small>''Nicator''</small>
|147–139 BC{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=119}}<br /><small>(8 years)</small>
|Son of Demetrius I. Revolted against Alexander Balas with support from the [[Ptolemaic Kingdom]]. Sole king after Antiochus VI's death.{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=119}}
|-
|[[File:Antiochos VII.jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Antiochus VII Sidetes|Antiochus VII]]'''<br /><small>''Sidetes''</small>
|139–129 BC{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=119}}<br /><small>(10 years)</small>
|Son of Demetrius I{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=119}}
|}

=== Parthian Empire ({{Circa}} 250/247 BC–224 AD) ===
{{See also|Parthian Empire|List of monarchs of Parthia}}
[[File:Parthian Empire (greatest extent).svg|thumb|The [[Parthian Empire]] under [[Mithridates II of Parthia|Mithridates II]]|190px]]
The Arsacids of [[Parthia]],{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=118}} initially Seleucid vassals,{{Sfn|Strootman|2020|p=151}} originated as leaders of the Iranian{{efn|The Parni was an eastern Iranian tribe established on the Amu Darya in the conferedation of [[Dahae]].{{sfn|Lecoq|2011|p=151}} To Yarshater, they were a [[Sakas|Saka]] tribe, who penetrated Parthia, adopted its language, and eventually challenged the Seleucids' power in Parthia.{{sfn|Yarshater|2012|p=212–225}}}} [[Parni]] tribe in the northeastern steppes.{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=162}} The Parthians gradually challenged Seleucid rule over Iran.{{Sfn|Strootman|2020|p=150}} Parthian control of Iran was secured through the {{Circa}} 142 BC conquest of [[Babylonia]].{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=118}}{{Sfn|Strootman|2020|p=150}} Although fighting continued for years, the death of [[Antiochus VII Sidetes]] in 129 BC effectively marked the collapse of the Seleucid Empire,{{Sfn|Strootman|2020|p=150}} which then lingered on as a [[rump state]] in Syria until conquered by the [[Roman Empire]] in the 60s BC.{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=118}}

The Parthians presented themselves as heirs of the Achaemenids, though ruled a much more decentralized state.{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=162}} Greek inscriptions were used on Parthian coins until the time of [[Vologases I of Parthia|Vologases I]] (AD 51–78).{{Sfn|Ellerbrock|2021|p=172}} Early Parthian rulers used the name of their dynastic founder ([[Arsaces I of Parthia|Arsaces]]) as a title. Their coins also have the legend ''krny'' (probably short for ''autokrator'', i.e. autocrat or sole ruler).{{Sfn|Ellerbrock|2021|p=172}} From the conquest of Babylonia onwards, rulers used ''basileus megas'' ({{literal translation|Great King}}).{{Sfn|Strootman|2020|p=150}} [[Mithridates II of Parthia|Mithridates II]] (123–91 BC) adopted the Achaemenid 'King of Kings' (rendered in Greek as ''basileus basileon''). After him, this title was used only by [[Mithridates IV of Parthia|Mithridates IV]] (57–54 BC) and [[Orodes II]] (57–37 BC) before becoming a standard part of the Parthian title from the time of [[Phraates IV]] (26–2 BC) onwards.{{Sfn|Shayegan|2011|p=228}} The title was used in its Persian form (''šāhān šāh'') after Greek ceased being used.{{Sfn|Shayegan|2011|p=211}} The first Parthian capital was at [[Nisa, Turkmenistan|Nisa]] in Parthia. In 217 BC, the capital was moved to [[Qumis, Iran|Qumis]] and in 50 BC a multi-capital system was established, with royal residences at [[Ctesiphon]], [[Ecbatana]], and [[Ray, Iran|Ray]].{{Sfn|Curtis|Stewart|2007|pp=96–97}}

This list omits rival kings and claimants. Because of poor source material there are alternate chronologies, genealogies, and enumerations of Parthian rulers, with some differences. See the [[list of monarchs of Parthia]].

{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="text-align:center; width:80%;"
|+ Early local rulers in Parthia ({{Circa}} 250/247–142 BC)
|-
! width="7%" |Portrait
! width="27%" |Name
! width="32%" |Reign
! width="34%" |Succession
|-
|[[File:Coin of Arsaces I (1), Nisa mint (cropped).jpg|65px]]
|[[Arsaces I of Parthia|Arsaces I]]
|{{Circa}} 250/247–217 BC{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=163}}<br /><small>(30–33 years)</small>
|Conquered [[Parthia]] from the Seleucid satrap [[Andragoras (Seleucid satrap)|Andragoras]]{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=162}}
|-
|[[File:Arsaces II coin crop.png|65px]]
|[[Arsaces II of Parthia|Arsaces II]]
|{{Circa}} 217–191 BC{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=163}}<br /><small>(26 years)</small>
|Son of Arsaces I{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=163}}
|-
|[[File:Priapatius coin.png|65px]]
|[[Priapatius]]
|{{Circa}} 191–176 BC{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=163}}<br /><small>(15 years)</small>
|Grandson of a brother of Arsaces I{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=163}}
|-
|[[File:Phraates I coin.png|65px]]
|[[Phraates I]]
|{{Circa}} 176–171 BC{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=163}}<br /><small>(5 years)</small>
|Son of Priapatius{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=163}}
|-
|[[File:Coin of Mithradates I of Parthia, Seleucia mint.jpg|65px]]
|[[Mithridates I of Parthia|Mithridates I]]
|{{Circa}} 171{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=163}}–142 BC{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=118}}{{Efn|The Parthian conquest of Babylonia, whereafter Mithridates I assumed the style 'Great King' and firmly established his empire.|name=Mithribab}}<br /><small>(29 years)</small>
|Son of Priapatius{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=163}}
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; width:80%;"
! width="7%" |Portrait
! width="27%" |Name
! width="32%" |Reign
! width="34%" |Succession
|-
|[[File:Coin of Mithradates I of Parthia, Seleucia mint.jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Mithridates I of Parthia|Mithridates I]]'''<br /><small>''the Great''</small>
|{{Circa}} 142{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=118}}{{Efn|name=Mithribab}}–132 BC{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=163}}<br /><small>({{Circa}} 10 years)</small>
|Established Parthia as an empire.{{Sfn|Ellerbrock|2021|p=29}} Conquered the [[Iranian plateau]] in the 160s BC,{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=162}} followed by conquests of [[Babylonia]] (142 BC),{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=118}} [[Media (region)|Media]] (141 BC), and [[Persis]] (139 BC).{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=163}}
|-
|[[File:Coin of Phraates II (cropped), Seleucia mint.jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Phraates II]]'''
|{{Circa}} 132–127 BC{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=163}}<br /><small>(5 years)</small>
|Son of Mithridates I{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=163}}
|-
|[[File:Coin of Artabanus I of Parthia (cropped, part 2), Seleucia mint.jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Artabanus I of Parthia|Artabanus I]]'''{{efn|Sometimes enumerated as Artabanus II since some historians consider the early Arsacid ruler Arsaces II to also be Artabanus I.{{Sfn|Ellerbrock|2021|p=59}}}}
|{{Circa}} 127–124/123 BC{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=163}}<br /><small>(3–4 years)</small>
|Son of [[Priapatius]] (and brother of Mithridates I){{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=163}}
|-
|[[File:Coin of Mithradates II of Parthia (cropped, part 2), Ecbatana mint.jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Mithridates II of Parthia|Mithridates II]]'''<br /><small>''the Great''</small>
|{{Circa}} 123–91 BC{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=163}}<br /><small>({{Circa}} 32 years)</small>
|Son of Artabanus I{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=163}}
|-
|[[File:Coin of Gotarzes I (2, cropped), Ectbatana mint.jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Gotarzes I]]'''
|91–87(?) BC{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=163}}<br /><small>({{Circa}} 4 years)</small>
|Son of Priapatius (and brother of Mithridates I and Artabanus I){{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=163}}
|-
|[[File:Tetradrachm of the Parthian monarch Orodes I, Seleucia mint.jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Orodes I of Parthia|Orodes I]]'''
|87–79(?) BC{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=163}}<br /><small>({{Circa}} 8 years)</small>
|Son of Gotarzes I or Mithridates II (?){{Sfn|Ellerbrock|2021|p=36}}
|-
|[[File:Sinatruces transparent.png|65px]]
|'''[[Sinatruces of Parthia|Sinatruces]]'''
|{{Circa}} 78–70 BC{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=163}}<br /><small>({{Circa}} 8 years)</small>
|Son of Mithridates I, previously a rival claimant c. 91–88 BC{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=163}}
|-
|[[File:Drachm of Phraates III, Ecbatana mint.jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Phraates III]]'''
|70–57 BC{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=163}}<br /><small>(13 years)</small>
|Son of Sinatruces{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=163}}
|-
|[[File:Coin of Mithridates IV (cropped).jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Mithridates IV of Parthia|Mithridates III]]'''{{efn|Sometimes enumerated as Mithridates IV, after another supposed Parthian king named Mithridates (based on numismatics) dated by some historians to 87–80 BC.{{Sfn|Ellerbrock|2021|p=41}}}}<!--Links to the article on Mithridates IV since this list uses an enumeration different from the one used in the article titles. The "Mithridates III" here is the figure Wikipedia otherwise calls "Mithridates IV".-->
|57–54 BC{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=163}}<br /><small>(3 years)</small>
|Son of Phraates III.{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=163}} Co-ruler with his brother Orodes II until killed in 54 BC.{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=163}}
|-
|[[File:Coin of Orodes II, Mithradatkert (Nisa) mint.jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Orodes II]]'''
|57–37 BC{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=163}}<br /><small>(20 years)</small>
|Son of Phraates III{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=163}}
|-
|[[File:Drachm of Phraates IV, Mithradatkirt mint.jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Phraates IV]]'''
|37–32(?) BC{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=163}} <small>(''1st reign'')</small><br /><small>(5 years?)</small>
|Son of Orodes II{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=163}}
|-
|[[File:Tiridates II coin.png|65px]]
|'''[[Tiridates II of Parthia|Tiridates]]'''{{efn|name=tird|Often enumerated as Tiridates II, after [[Tiridates I of Parthia|Tiridates I]], a supposed Parthian king now believed to be unhistorical.{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=163}}}}
|32–31(?) BC{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=163}} <small>(''1st reign'')</small><br /><small>(1 year?)</small>
|Part of the Arsacid dynasty but of unclear lineage{{Sfn|Ellerbrock|2021|p=|pp=47–48}}
|-
|[[File:Drachm of Phraates IV, Mithradatkirt mint.jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Phraates IV]]'''
|31–28(?) BC{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=163}} <small>(''2nd reign'')</small><br /><small>(3 years?)</small>
|Retook the throne{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=163}}
|-
|[[File:Tiridates II coin.png|65px]]
|'''[[Tiridates II of Parthia|Tiridates]]'''{{efn|name=tird}}
|28–26(?) BC{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=163}} <small>(''2nd reign'')</small><br /><small>(2 years?)</small>
|Retook the throne{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=163}}
|-
|[[File:Drachm of Phraates IV, Mithradatkirt mint.jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Phraates IV]]'''
|26(?)–2 BC{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=163}} <small>(''3rd reign'')</small><br /><small>(24 years?)</small>
|Retook the throne{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=163}}
|-
|[[File:Coin of Phraatakes (Phraates V), Seleucia mint (cropped).jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Phraates V]]'''
|2 BC – AD 4(?){{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=164}}<br /><small>(6 years?)</small>
|Son of Phraates IV, co-ruler with Musa{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=164}}
|-
|[[File:The portrait of Musa of Parthia on the reverse of a drachm, Ecbatana mint.jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Musa of Parthia|Musa]]'''
|2 BC – AD 4(?){{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=164}}<br /><small>(6 years?)</small>
|Widow of Phraates IV, co-ruler with Phraates V.{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=164}} First of only four women to rule in Iranian history.{{efn|The other three were [[Boran]] (630), [[Azarmidokht]] (630–631), and [[Sati Beg]] (1338/1339–1339/1340).}}
|-
|[[File:Orodes III coin.png|65px]]
|'''[[Orodes III of Parthia|Orodes III]]'''
|4(?)–6/7{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=164}}<br /><small>(2/3 years?)</small>
|Part of the Arsacid dynasty but of unclear lineage{{Sfn|Ellerbrock|2021|p=48}}
|-
|[[File:Tetradrachm of Vonones I, Seleucia mint.jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Vonones I]]'''
|6/7–11/12{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=164}}<br /><small>(4–6 years)</small>
|Son of Phraates IV, nominated as king by the [[Roman Empire]]{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=164}}
|-
|[[File:Tetradrachm of Artabanus II, Seleucia mint.jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Artabanus II of Parthia|Artabanus II]]'''{{efn|Sometimes enumerated as Artabanus III, if Artabanus I is considered to be Artabanus II. He is also sometimes referred to as Artabanus IV if another supposed Parthian king named Artabanus (based on numismatics), dated by some historians to 126–122 BC, is accepted.{{Sfn|Ellerbrock|2021|p=59}}}}
|11/12–38{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=164}}<br /><small>(26/27 years)</small>
|Cousin of Vonones{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=164}}
|-
|[[File:Tetradrachm of Gotarzes II, minted in 49.jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Gotarzes II]]'''
|38–51{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=164}}<br /><small>(13 years)</small>
|Son of Artabanus (?){{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=164}}
|-
|[[File:Coin of Vardanes I (cropped, 2), Seleucia mint.jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Vardanes I|Vardanes]]'''
|39–45/46{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=164}}<br /><small>(6/7 years)</small>
|Son of Artabanus (?).{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=164}} Rival and later co-ruler of the empire with Gotarzes.{{Sfn|Ellerbrock|2021|p=49}}
|-
|[[File:Coin of Vonones II, minted at Hamadan.jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Vonones II]]'''
|51{{Sfn|Ellerbrock|2021|p=52}}<br /><small>(briefly)</small>
|Part of the Arsacid dynasty but of unclear lineage{{Sfn|Ellerbrock|2021|p=52}}
|-
|[[File:Tetradrachm of Vologases I, minted at Seleucia.jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Vologases I of Parthia|Vologases I]]'''
|51–78{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=164}}<br /><small>(27 years)</small>
|Son of Vardanes{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=164}}
|-
|[[File:Coin of Pacorus II (cropped), Seleucia mint.jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Pacorus II|Pacorus]]'''{{Efn|Sometimes enumerated as Pacorus II, after [[Pacorus I]], a Parthian prince who never ruled in his own right.|name=pacorus}}<!--Links to the article on Pacorus II since this list uses an enumeration different from the one used in the article titles. The "Pacorus" here is the figure Wikipedia otherwise calls "Pacorus II".-->
|78–79{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=164}} <small>(''1st reign'')</small><br /><small>(1 year)</small>
|Son of Vologases I{{Sfn|Ellerbrock|2021|p=58}}
|-
|[[File:Coin of Artabanus III of Parthia (cropped), Seleucia mint.jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Artabanus III of Parthia|Artabanus III]]'''{{Efn|Sometimes enumerated as Artabanus IV or Artabanus V (see note on Artabanus II).}}
|79–81{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=164}}<br /><small>(2 years)</small>
|Son or brother of Vologases I{{Sfn|Ellerbrock|2021|p=59–60}}
|-
|[[File:Coin of Pacorus II (cropped), Seleucia mint.jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Pacorus II|Pacorus]]'''{{Efn|name=pacorus}}<!--Links to the article on Pacorus II since this list uses an enumeration different from the one used in the article titles. The "Pacorus" here is the figure Wikipedia otherwise calls "Pacorus II".-->
|81–115{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=164}} <small>(''2nd reign'')</small><br /><small>(34 years)</small>
|Retook the throne{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=164}}
|-
|[[File:Coin of Vologases III (cropped), Seleucia mint.jpg|65px]]
|[[Vologases III of Parthia|'''Vologases II''']]{{efn|Sometimes enumerated as Vologases III, after another supposed Parthian king named Vologases (based on numismatics) dated by some historians to 77–80.{{Sfn|Ellerbrock|2021|p=58}}}}<!--Links to the article on Vologases III since this list uses an enumeration different from the one used in the article titles. The "Vologases II" here is the figure Wikipedia otherwise calls "Vologases III".-->
|115–116{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=164}}<br /><small>(1 year)</small>
|Son of Pacorus{{sfn|Dąbrowa|2012|p=176}}
|-
|[[File:Parthamaspates coin.png|65px]]
|'''[[Parthamaspates of Parthia|Parthamaspates]]'''
|116–117{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=164}}<br /><small>(1 year)</small>
|Grandson of Pacorus, installed as king by the Roman Empire{{Sfn|Ellerbrock|2021|p=61}}
|-
|[[File:Coin of Osroes I (cropped), Ecbatana mint.jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Osroes I|Osroes]]'''
|117–128{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=164}}<br /><small>(11 years)</small>
|Son of Pacorus and father of Parthamaspates{{Sfn|Ellerbrock|2021|pp=60–61}}
|-
|[[File:Coin of Mithridates V of Parthia, Ecbatana mint.jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Mithridates V of Parthia|Mithridates IV]]'''{{Efn|Sometimes enumerated as Mithridates V (see note on Mithridates III).}}<!--Links to the article on Mithridates V since this list uses an enumeration different from the one used in the article titles. The "Mithridates IV" here is the figure Wikipedia otherwise calls "Mithridates V".-->
|128–148{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=164}}<br /><small>(20 years)</small>
|Part of the Arsacid dynasty but of unclear lineage{{Sfn|Ellerbrock|2021|p=61}}
|-
|[[File:Tetradrachm of Vologases IV, minted at Seleucia in 153.jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Vologases IV|Vologases III]]'''{{Efn|Sometimes enumerated as Vologases IV (see note on Vologases II).}}<!--Links to the article on Vologases IV since this list uses an enumeration different from the one used in the article titles. The "Vologases III" here is the figure Wikipedia otherwise calls "Vologases IV".-->
|148–191{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=164}}<br /><small>(43 years)</small>
|Son of Mithridates IV{{Sfn|Ellerbrock|2021|p=61}}
|-
|[[File:Coin of Vologases V (cutted out), Hamadan mint.jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Vologases V|Vologases IV]]'''{{Efn|Sometimes enumerated as Vologases V (see note on Vologases II).}}<!--Links to the article on Vologases V since this list uses an enumeration different from the one used in the article titles. The "Vologases IV" here is the figure Wikipedia otherwise calls "Vologases V".-->
|191–207{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=164}}<br /><small>(16 years)</small>
|Son of Vologases III{{sfn|Patterson|2013|pp=180–181}}
|-
|[[File:Coin of Vologases VI of Parthia (cropped), Ecbatana mint.jpg|65px]]
|[[Vologases VI|'''Vologases V''']]{{Efn|Sometimes enumerated as Vologases VI (see note on Vologases II).}}<!--Links to the article on Vologases VI since this list uses an enumeration different from the one used in the article titles. The "Vologases V" here is the figure Wikipedia otherwise calls "Vologases VI".-->
|207–213{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=164}}<br /><small>(6 years)</small>
|Son of Vologases IV.{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=164}} Possibly still in control of some parts of the empire by 228.{{Sfn|Ellerbrock|2021|p=63}}
|-
|[[File:Drachm of Artabanus IV (2), Hamadan mint.jpg|65px]]
|[[Artabanus IV of Parthia|'''Artabanus IV''']]{{Efn|Sometimes enumerated as Artabanus V or Artabanus VI (see note on Artabanus II).}}
|213{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=164}}–224{{Sfn|Ellerbrock|2021|p=|pp=63–64}}<br /><small>(11 years)</small>
|Son of Vologases IV.{{Sfn|Ellerbrock|2021|p=|pp=63–64}} Fought with Vologases V over control of the empire.{{Sfn|Ellerbrock|2021|p=|pp=63–64}}
|}

=== Sasanian Empire (224 AD–651 AD) ===
{{See also|Sasanian dynasty|Sasanian Empire|List of monarchs of the Sasanian Empire}}
[[File:Sasanian Empire (greatest extent).svg|thumb|The [[Sasanian Empire]] under [[Khosrow II]]|190px]]
The [[Sasanian dynasty]] originated as kings of [[Persis]], a Parthian vassal kingdom, and claimed Achaemenid descent. In 224–226, the Sasanian dynast [[Ardashir I]] led a revolt against the Parthians, weakened in a recent civil war, and took control of the empire. Ardashir presented himself as a restorer of both regional unity and Achaemenid glory.{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=166}} The Sasanian Empire was a significantly more militarily powerful, centralized, and aggressive state than the Parthian Empire and was also marked by a state-backed and less heterodox form of the [[Zoroastrianism|Zoroastrian]] religion.{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=167}}

Sasanian kings continued to use the title ''šāhān šāh'' ({{Literal translation|King of Kings}}).{{Sfn|Gnoli|1989|p=103}} The title was extended by Ardashir to ''šāhān šāh ērān'' ({{Literal translation|King of Kings of Iran}}){{sfn|MacKenzie|1998}} and extended again by his son [[Shapur I]] (240–270) to ''šāhān šāh ērān ud anērān'' ({{Literal translation|King of Kings of Iran and non-Iran}}).{{sfn|MacKenzie|1998}}{{sfn|Yücel|2017|pp=331–344}} Sasanian queens ruled with the title ''bānbišnān bānbišn ērān ud anērān'' ({{Literal translation|Queen of Queens of Iran and non-Iran}}).''{{sfn|Sundermann|1988|pp=678–679}}'' [[Ctesiphon]] was the capital of the Sasanian Empire.{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=169}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; width:80%;"
! width="7%" |Portrait
! width="27%" |Name
! width="32%" |Reign
! width="34%" |Succession
|-
|[[File:Coin of Ardashir I (phase 3), Hamadan mint.jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Ardashir I]]'''<br /><small>''the Unifier''</small>
|224 – May 240{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=168}}{{Sfn|Daryaee|2012|p=392}}<br /><small>(16 years)</small>
|Defeated Artabanus IV and took control of the empire{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=166}}
|-
|[[File:ShapurICoinHistoryofIran.jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Shapur I]]'''
|May 240 – May 270{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=168}}<br /><small>(30 years)</small>
|Son of Ardashir I{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=168}}
|-
|[[File:HormizdICoinHistoryofIran.jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Hormizd I]]'''
|May 270 – June 271{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=168}}<br /><small>(1 year and 1 month)</small>
|Son of Shapur I{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=168}}
|-
|[[File:Coin of Bahram I (cropped).jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Bahram I]]'''
|June 271 – 274{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=168}}<br /><small>(3 years)</small>
|Son of Shapur I{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=168}}
|-
|[[File:Silver coin of Bahram II (cropped).jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Bahram II]]'''
|274–293{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=169}}<br /><small>(19 years)</small>
|Son of Bahram I{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=169}}
|-
|[[File:Bahram III.jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Bahram III]]'''
|293{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=169}}<br /><small>(4 months)</small>
|Son or cousin of Bahram II{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=169}}
|-
|[[File:NarsehCoin2.jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Narseh]]'''
|293–302{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=169}}<br /><small>(9 years)</small>
|Son of Shapur I{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=169}}
|-
|[[File:Coin of the Sasanian king Hormizd II (1, cropped).jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Hormizd II]]'''
|303–309/310{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=169}}<br /><small>(6/7 years)</small>
|Son of Narseh{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=169}}
|-
|{{Centre|—}}
|'''[[Adur Narseh]]'''<br /><small>(Narseh II)</small>
|309/310{{Sfn|Daryaee|2012|p=392}}<br /><small>(briefly)</small>
|Son of Hormizd II{{Sfn|Daryaee|2012|p=392}}
|-
|[[File:The portrait of Shapur II on the obverse of a silver drachm, struck circa 309–320 (crop).png|65px]]
|'''[[Shapur II]]'''<br /><small>''the Great''</small>
|310–379{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=169}}<br /><small>(69 years)</small>
|Son of Hormizd II, acclaimed ruler at birth.{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=169}} The longest-reigning Iranian monarch.
|-
|[[File:ArdashirIICoinHistoryofIran.jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Ardashir II]]'''<br /><small>''the Beneficent''</small>
|379–383{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=169}}<br /><small>(4 years)</small>
|Son of Hormizd II{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=169}}
|-
|[[File:Coin of Shapur III, Merv mint.jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Shapur III]]'''
|383–388{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=169}}<br /><small>(5 years)</small>
|Son of Shapur II{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=169}}
|-
|[[File:Coin of Bahram IV (cropped), Herat mint.jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Bahram IV]]'''
|388–399{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=169}}<br /><small>(11 years)</small>
|Son of Shapur II{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=169}}
|-
|[[File:YazdegerdICroppedCoinHistoryofIran.jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Yazdegerd I]]'''<br /><small>''the Sinner''</small>
|399–420{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=169}}<br /><small>(21 years)</small>
|Son of Shapur III{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=169}}
|-
|[[File:Drachm of Shapur IV.jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Shapur IV]]'''
|420{{sfn|Klíma|1988|pp=514-522}}<br /><small>(briefly)</small>
|Son of Yazdegerd I{{sfn|Klíma|1988|pp=514-522}}
|-
|{{Centre|—}}
|[[Khosrow (son of Bahram IV)|'''Khosrow''' ('''I''')]]{{Efn|Khosrow's rule was brief and ephemeral and he is not counted in the numbering of later kings of this name.}}
|420{{sfn|Klíma|1988|pp=514-522}}<br /><small>(briefly)</small>
|Son of Bahram IV{{sfn|Klíma|1988|pp=514-522}}
|-
|[[File:Drachma of Bahram V - cropped.jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Bahram V]]'''<br /><small>''the [[Onager]]''</small>
|420–438{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=169}}<br /><small>(18 years)</small>
|Son of Yazdegerd I{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=169}}
|-
|[[File:YazdegerdIICroppedCoinHistoryofIran.jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Yazdegerd II]]'''
|438–457{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=169}}<br /><small>(19 years)</small>
|Son of Bahram V{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=169}}
|-
|[[File:King Hormizd II or Hormizd III Hunting Lions, 400-600.jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Hormizd III]]'''
|457{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=169}}<br /><small>(briefly)</small>
|Son of Yazdegerd II{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=169}}
|-
|[[File:PerozICroppedCoinHistoryofIran.jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Peroz I]]'''
|457–484{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=169}}<br /><small>(27 years)</small>
|Son of Yazdegerd II{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=169}}
|-
|[[File:Coin of the Sasanian king Balash from Susa.jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Balash]]'''
|484–488{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=169}}<br /><small>(4 years)</small>
|Son of Yazdegerd II{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=169}}
|-
|[[File:Gold coin of Kavad I, possibly minted at Susa, in 529 or 530.jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Kavad I]]'''
|488–497{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=169}} <small>(''1st reign'')</small><br /><small>(9 years)</small>
|Son of Peroz{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=169}}
|-
|[[File:Coin of the Sasanian king Jamasp from Susa.jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Jamasp]]'''
|497–499{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=169}}<br /><small>(2 years)</small>
|Son of Peroz{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=169}}
|-
|[[File:Gold coin of Kavad I, possibly minted at Susa, in 529 or 530.jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Kavad I]]'''
|499–531{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=169}} <small>(''2nd reign'')</small><br /><small>(32 years)</small>
|Restored to the throne with [[Hephthalites|Hepthalite]] support{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=169}}
|-
|[[File:Plate of the Sasanian king Khosrow I Anushirvan.jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Khosrow I]]'''<br /><small>''Anushirvan'' ({{Literal translation|the Immortal Soul}})</small>
|531–579{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=169}}<br /><small>(48 years)</small>
|Son of Kavad I{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=169}}
|-
|[[File:Drachma of Hormidz IV - cropped.jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Hormizd IV]]'''
|579–590{{Sfn|Chegini|Nikitin|p=77|1996}}<br /><small>(11 years)</small>
|Son of Khosrow I{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=169}}
|-
|[[File:BahramChobinCoinHistoryofIran.jpg|65px]]
|[[Bahram Chobin|'''Bahram VI''' Chobin]]
|590–591{{Sfn|Chegini|Nikitin|p=77|1996}}<br /><small>(1 year)</small>
|General of Parthian descent ([[House of Mihran]]){{sfn|Pourshariati|2008|p=103}}
|-
|[[File:KhosrauIIGoldCoinCroppedHistoryofIran.jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Khosrow II]]'''<br /><small>''Parviz'' ({{Literal translation|the Victorious}})</small>
|June 590 – 28 February 628{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=169}}<br /><small>({{Age in years, months and days|590|6||628|2|28}})</small>
|Son of Hormizd IV{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=169}}
|-
|[[File:Coin of Vistahm, minted at Ray in 595 or 596.jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Vistahm]]'''
|591–597{{Sfn|Chegini|Nikitin|p=77|1996}}<br /><small>(6 years, usurper in the east)</small>
|General of Parthian descent ([[House of Ispahbudhan]]) and maternal uncle of Khosrow II. Rival king.{{Sfn|Shahbazi|1989}}
|-
|[[File:Coin of the Sasanian king Kavadh II (cropped), minted at Ray in 628.jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Kavad II]]'''
|28 February 628 – 628{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=169}}<br /><small>(less than a year)</small>
|Son of Khosrow II, overthrew his father{{Sfn|Venning|2023|pp=169–170}}
|-
|[[File:ArdashirIIICoinHistoryofIran.jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Ardashir III]]'''
|628–630{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=170}}<br /><small>(2 years)</small>
|Cousin{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=170}} or son{{sfn|Shahbazi|1986|pp=381–382}} of Kavad II
|-
|[[File:ShahrbarazCoinHistoryofIran.jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Shahrbaraz]]'''
|630{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=170}}<br /><small>(less than a year)</small>
|General of Parthian descent ([[House of Mihran]]){{sfn|Pourshariati|2008|p=181}}
|-
|[[File:XusravIIICoinHistoryofIran.jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Khosrow III]]'''
|630{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=170}}<br /><small>(less than a year)</small>
|Nephew of Khosrow II{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=170}}
|-
|[[File:BorandukhtCoinHistoryofIran.jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Boran]]'''
|630{{sfn|Pourshariati|2008|pp=185, 204–205}}<br /><small>(less than a year)</small>
|Daughter of Khosrow II.{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=170}} Second of only four women to rule in Iranian history.{{efn|The other three were [[Musa of Parthia|Musa]] (2 BC–AD 4), [[Azarmidokht]] (630–631), and [[Sati Beg]] (1338/1339–1339/1340).}}
|-
|{{Centre|—}}
|'''[[Shapur-i Shahrvaraz|Shapur V]]'''
|630{{sfn|Pourshariati|2008|pp=204–205}}<br /><small>(less than a year)</small>
|Son of Shahrbaraz{{sfn|Pourshariati|2008|pp=204–205}}
|-
|[[File:Obverse coin of Azarmidokht.jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Azarmidokht]]'''
|630–631{{sfn|Pourshariati|2008|pp=204–210}}<br /><small>(1 year)</small>
|Daughter of Khosrow II.{{Sfn|Daryaee|2012|p=392}} Third of only four women to rule in Iranian history.{{efn|The other three were [[Musa of Parthia|Musa]] (2 BC–AD 4), [[Boran]] (630), and [[Sati Beg]] (1338/1339–1339/1340).}}
|-
|[[File:FarrokhHormizdVCoin.jpg|65px]]
|[[Farrukh Hormizd|Farrukh '''Hormizd V''']]
|631–632{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=170}}<br /><small>(1 year)</small>
|General of Parthian descent ([[House of Ispahbudhan]]). Attempted to seize the throne after Azarmidokht declined his marriage proposal.{{sfn|Pourshariati|2008|pp=204–210}}
|-
|[[File:HormizdVICoinHistoryofIran.jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Hormizd VI]]'''
|630–632{{Sfn|Shahbazi|2004}}<br /><small>(2 years, usurper in [[Nusaybin|Nisibis]])</small>
|Grandson of Khosow II.{{Sfn|Shahbazi|2004}} Proclaimed ruler by the Sasanian troops stationed at [[Nusaybin|Nisibis]].{{Sfn|Shahbazi|2004}}
|-
|[[File:KhosrauIVCoinHistoryofIran.jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Khosrow IV]]'''
|632{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=170}}<br /><small>(less than a year)</small>
|Great-nephew of Hormizd IV{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=170}}
|-
|{{Centre|—}}
|'''[[Peroz II]]'''
|632–632/633{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=170}}<br /><small>(1 year?)</small>
|Brother of Khosrow IV{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=170}}
|-
|[[File:FarrukhzadKhosrauVCoin - Cropped.jpg|65px]]
|[[Farrukhzad Khosrow V|Farrukhzad '''Khosrow V''']]
|632/633–{{Circa}} 633{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=170}}<br /><small>(1 year?)</small>
|Brother of Hormizd V{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=170}}
|-
|[[File:YazdegerdIIICoinCroppedHistoryofIran.jpg|65px]]
|'''[[Yazdegerd III]]'''
|{{Circa}} 633–651{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=170}}<br /><small>({{Circa}} 18 years)</small>
|Grandson of Khosrow II{{Sfn|Daryaee|2012|p=392}}
|}
{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="text-align:center; width:80%;"
|+ Later pretenders (651–731)
|-
! width="7%" |Portrait
! width="27%" |Name
! width="32%" |Tenure
! width="34%" |Succession
|-
|[[File:Headless Statue of Foreign Envoy, Qianling Mausoleum.jpg|65px]]
|[[Peroz III]]
|651–678/679{{Sfn|Afkande|2014|p=147}}<br /><small>(27/28 years)</small>
|Son of Yazdegerd III, lived in exile in China ([[Tang dynasty]]) and led Iranian resistance against the Arabs. Recognized by the Tang dynasty as "king of Persia".{{Sfn|Afkande|2014|pp=144, 147}} Ruled a Tang-supported Iranian kingdom in [[Sistan]] or [[Tokharistan]]{{Sfn|Afkande|2014|pp=144, 146}} 661–674.{{Sfn|Afkande|2014|p=144}}
|-
|{{Centre|—}}
|[[Narsieh]]<br /><small>(Narseh III)</small>
|678/679{{Sfn|Afkande|2014|p=147}}–after 708/709{{Sfn|Afkande|2014|p=148}}<br /><small>(over 20 years)</small>
|Son and successor of Peroz III.{{Sfn|Afkande|2014|p=147}} Crowned by the Chinese general [[Pei Xingjian]] and placed in charge of [[Tokharistan]]. Narsieh defended the region for twenty years until defeated by the Arabs in 708/709, whereafter he returned to China.{{Sfn|Afkande|2014|p=148}}
|-
|{{Centre|—}}
|[[Bó Qiāng Huó]]{{Efn|Name in Chinese sources. His original name in Persian may have been ''Pušang''.{{Sfn|Afkande|2014|p=150}}}}
|{{Floruit}} 723{{Sfn|Afkande|2014|p=150}}
|Son of Narsieh.{{Sfn|Afkande|2014|p=150}} Recorded in Chinese sources as "king of Persia" and as being active in Tokharistan against the Arabs in 723.{{Sfn|Afkande|2014|p=150}}
|-
|{{Centre|—}}
|[[Mù Shānuò]]{{Efn|Name in Chinese sources.{{Sfn|Afkande|2014|p=150}} The original Persian name is unknown.}}
|{{Floruit}} 726–731{{Sfn|Afkande|2014|p=150}}
|Recorded in Chinese sources as "king of Persia" and as being active in Tokharistan against the Arabs in 726 and 731.{{Sfn|Afkande|2014|p=150}} Names of Sasanian claimants disappear from Chinese sources after 731.{{Sfn|Afkande|2014|p=150}}
|}
=== Minor kingdoms and dynasties ===
* The [[Frataraka|Fratarakas]] (3rd–mid-2nd century BC), rulers/governors in [[Persis]] under the Seleucid Empire
* [[List of rulers of Parthian sub-kingdoms|Rulers of Parthian sub-kingdoms]] (2nd century BC–5th century AD), various local vassal dynasties of the Parthian Empire
** The [[kings of Persis]] (2nd century BC–3rd century AD), vassal kings in Persis under the Parthian Empire