Vonones I
Vonones I of Parthia (Persian: ونون یکم), (ΟΝΩΝΗΣ on his coins) ruled the Parthian Empire from about 8 to 12 AD. He was the eldest son of Phraates IV of Parthia (ruled c. 37–2 BC) and was sent to Rome as a hostage in the 20s BC as surety for a treaty his father made with Augustus.[1]
Ascension
After the assassination of Orodes III in about 6 AD, the Parthians applied to Augustus for a new King from the house of Arsaces.[2] Augustus sent them Vonones I, but he could not maintain himself as King; he had been educated as a Roman, and was despised by the Parthian nobility as a Roman stooge.[2]
Fall
Another member of the Arsacid house, Artabanus III (ruled c. 10–38), who was living among the Dahan nomads in the east of Parthia, was invited to the throne. In a civil war he defeated and expelled Vonones I.
Coins
The coins of Vonones I date from 8 to 12 AD and bear the inscription "King Vonones, conqueror of Artabanus" commemorating a temporary victory over his rival. Those of Artabanus II begin in the year 10. In about the year 12 Vonones I fled into Armenia and became King there.[3] Artabanus II demanded his deposition, and as Augustus did not wish to begin a war with the Parthians he moved Vonones I into Syria, where he was kept in custody, though in a kingly style.[4] Later he was moved to Cilicia,[5] and when he tried to escape in about 19 AD, he was killed by his guards.[6]
Notes
References
-
This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). "article name needed". Encyclopædia Britannica (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. - Hon. Ana. 5, 9.
- Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews, xviii, 2, 4.
- Tacitus, Annals, ii, 4, 58, 68.
| Vonones I Born: Unknown Died: 19 | ||
| Preceded by Orodes III |
Great King (Shah) of Parthia 8–12 |
Succeeded by Artabanus III |
| Preceded by Tigranes V and Erato |
Protector of Armenia King of Armenia 12–18 |
Succeeded by Artaxias III |