Editing List of monarchs of Iran (section)

=== 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}}
|}