Gotarzes II

(14.16 gm; 28 mm). Minted at Seleucia on the Tigris in month Apellaios, year 358 SE (AD. 46). Diademed bust left / Gotarzes seated right, receiving wreath from Tyche standing left, holding cornucopia; (year) above. Sellwood 65.8var.; Shore 361; Sunrise 416.

Upon the death of their father Artabanos III, Vardanes I (the principal heir) and Gotarzes II contested for the kingship. Vardanes was eventually successful, but was murdered shortly thereafter. Like his father, Gotarzes’ subsequent rule was primarily consumed with internal strife. Also like his father, his primary rivals were supported by Rome as well as some of the Iranian nobility. He was ultimately successful, but his rule accomplished little, as the constant strife continued the overall slow decline of the Parthian kingdom.