Artabanus IV of Parthia

Artabanus IV, also known as Ardavan IV, was the last king of the Parthian Empire. He ruled from about 213 to 224 and was the younger son of Vologases V. After his father died in 208, Artabanus rebelled against his brother, Vologases VI, and took control of most of the Parthian lands.

Artabanus successfully defended against an attack by the Roman emperor Caracalla in 217, keeping Parthian power in Mesopotamia. However, he later faced a challenge from a local leader named Ardashir in Persis. Their forces fought at the Battle of Hormozdgan in April 224, where Artabanus was killed and his army defeated.

After this battle, Ardashir went on to take over the rest of the Parthian Empire and began the rule of the Sasanian dynasty in Iran. Artabanus IV is remembered as the final ruler of a great empire that changed hands to a new dynasty.

Name

Artabanus is a name that comes from different languages. In Latin, it is called Artabanus. In Greek, it is Artábanos. The original Old Persian name was *Arta-bānu, which means "the glory of Arta." In Parthian and Middle Persian, the name was Ardawān.

Reign

Dynastic struggles and war with the Romans

In around 208, Vologases VI became king of the Parthian Empire after his father Vologases V passed away. For a few years, his rule was not questioned. But then his brother, Artabanus IV, rebelled against him. This struggle between the brothers likely began around 213. Artabanus took control of much of the empire, including places like Media and Susa. Vologases VI managed to keep only Seleucia, where he continued to make coins.

The Roman emperor Caracalla saw this fight as a chance to act. He tried to get a reason to attack the Parthian Empire by asking Vologases to send two people—a philosopher named Antiochus and someone named Tiridates—to him. Surprisingly, Vologases sent them in 215, so Caracalla could not use this as an excuse. Later, Caracalla tried to invade Armenia but failed. He then asked Artabanus to marry his daughter, which Artabanus refused. Soon after, Artabanus fought Caracalla’s forces at Nisibis in 217 and managed to stop them. Peace was made the next year, though Artabanus still had to deal with his brother Vologases.

War with the Sasanians

The Sasanian family grew powerful in their home region of Pars. Under prince Ardashir I, they began taking over nearby areas and farther lands like Kirman. At first, Artabanus did not worry about them, but later he decided to face Ardashir I. They agreed to meet in a place called Hormozdgan at the end of April. However, Ardashir I arrived early to get a better position and prepared defenses.

On April 28, 224, the two sides fought a battle. Ardashir I had 10,000 cavalry soldiers, while Artabanus had more troops but were less prepared. Artabanus was defeated and killed in this battle, ending the rule of the Arsacid dynasty and beginning 427 years of Sasanian rule.

Aftermath

After the battle, Ardashir I took the title of shahanshah meaning "King of Kings". He celebrated his victory by creating rock carvings in his hometown. One carving showed scenes of battle, and another showed Ardashir I receiving a symbol of kingship from the god Ahura Mazda. Vologases VI was later driven out of Mesopotamia by Ardashir I’s forces. Even though the Parthian Empire ended, memories of it stayed strong, and some leaders later tried, but failed, to bring it back.