What is it about?
The aim of this study is to analyse the Roman-Parthian relations under Artabanos II and Tiberius, and the political role played by Armenia, focusing on the agreement between the Roman prince Germanicus and Artabanos II. The study deals with events of the early 1st century AD. A scrutiny of military and diplomatic measures taken by Rome, Parthia, and minor kings of Kappadokia, Pontos and Armenia suggests a new perspective of the Roman and Parthian policies towards Armenia under Tiberius and Artabanos II. Artabanos IIʼs triumph over Vonones compelled Rome to revise her policy toward Parthia. Artabanos agreed on a compromise with the ruler of Kappadokia Archelaos, a Roman client king, that involved installing Archelaosʼ stepson, Zeno, on the throne of Armenia. Germanicusʼ intervention in Armenia in A.D. 18 led to the conclusion of a compromise settlement between Rome and the Parthians, securing over a decade of peace between the two powers. Zeno Artaxiasʼ coronation at the hands of Germanicus was commemorated by the issue of a set of meaningful silver coins.
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Perspectives
This paper should demonstrate the relevance of the Parthian empire in Roman politics under Tiberius. It shows also interactions between Germanicus' policies in the East, vis-a-vis Armenia and Parthian Iran, and Roman internal affairs under Tiberius.
Prof. Marek Jan Olbrycht
ias princeton
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This page is a summary of: Germanicus, Artabanos II of Parthia, and Zeno Artaxias in Armenia, Klio, January 2016, De Gruyter,
DOI: 10.1515/klio-2016-0044.
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