# Artabanus II

> King of Kings of the Parthian Empire (r. 12 AD - 38/41 AD)

**Wikidata**: [Q345134](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q345134)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artabanus_II_of_Parthia)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/artabanus-ii

## Summary
Artabanus II was the King of Kings of the Parthian Empire, ruling from 12 AD to 38/41 AD. He is known for his efforts to consolidate Parthian authority during a period of internal conflict and external pressure from Rome.

## Biography
- Born: Unknown date; no place specified
- Nationality: Parthian (modern-day Iran)
- Education: Not documented
- Known for: Restoring royal authority in the Parthian Empire after a period of dynastic instability
- Employer(s): Parthian Empire (as monarch)
- Field(s): Political leadership, military strategy, ancient history

## Contributions
Artabanus II contributed to the reestablishment of centralized rule within the Parthian Empire during his reign from 12 AD to 38/41 AD. His leadership helped stabilize the empire following earlier succession crises and regional fragmentation. He engaged in diplomatic and military maneuvers aimed at maintaining Parthian sovereignty against Roman influence, particularly during the reign of Emperor Tiberius and later rulers.

## FAQs
**Who was Artabanus II?**  
Artabanus II was a Parthian king who ruled as King of Kings from 12 AD until approximately 38/41 AD. He played a key role in restoring political unity and legitimacy to the Parthian state.

**What did Artabanus II accomplish as king?**  
He successfully reclaimed power from regional satraps and rival claimants, reasserting royal control over key territories. He also navigated complex relations with the Roman Empire, including negotiations and occasional confrontations.

**How long did Artabanus II rule?**  
His reign lasted from 12 AD to 38/41 AD, making it one of the longer individual reigns in the later Parthian period.

**What happened at the end of his reign?**  
Toward the end of his reign, Artabanus faced increasing challenges from both internal factions and Roman pressures. Eventually, he was forced to flee to eastern provinces, temporarily losing power before briefly reclaiming the throne.

## Why They Matter
Artabanus II matters for his pivotal role in restoring and preserving the integrity of the Parthian state during a turbulent era. His reign marked a turning point in the empire's ability to resist both internal decay and foreign encroachment, particularly from Rome. His legacy includes the reassertion of central authority that enabled the Parthian Empire to maintain its independence for several more decades.

## Notable For
- Reclaiming the Parthian throne after a period of civil war and succession disputes
- Negotiating with Rome while asserting Parthian autonomy
- Stabilizing the Parthian Empire through military and administrative reforms
- Being among the longest-reigning monarchs of the later Parthian period

## Body
### Early Rule and Rise to Power  
Artabanus II came to power amid a fragmented Parthian Empire, which had been destabilized by competing claimants and regional satraps asserting independence. He was able to unite various factions under his rule, leveraging both military strength and strategic diplomacy to reassert royal authority.

### Consolidation of Authority  
During the early years of his reign, Artabanus II conducted a series of campaigns to subdue rebellious satraps and rival nobles. These actions were critical in reestablishing the central monarchy’s dominance over the empire’s vast territories, stretching from modern-day Iran to parts of Central Asia.

### Diplomatic Maneuvering with Rome  
Artabanus II engaged in a complex relationship with the Roman Empire, especially during the reigns of Augustus and Tiberius. He managed to maintain Parthian sovereignty despite Roman military and political pressure, often using negotiation and limited conflict to preserve independence.

### Final Years and Exile  
Toward the end of his reign, Artabanus II faced renewed internal opposition, leading to his temporary exile to the eastern provinces. He later returned to power briefly, but died around 38–41 AD, marking the end of a significant chapter in Parthian history.

### Legacy and Historical Impact  
Artabanus II is remembered for his role in restoring political cohesion to the Parthian Empire. His reign exemplifies the resilience of Parthian institutions during a time of regional and imperial rivalry. His leadership provided a model for later rulers attempting to balance internal governance with external diplomacy.

### Cultural and Numismatic Evidence  
Coins minted during his reign, such as the "Coin of Artabanus II, Seleucia mint.jpg", reflect the administrative and economic strength of his regime. These artifacts are significant in understanding the currency and propaganda of the era.

### Genealogical and Historical Records  
Artabanus II is documented in various historical and genealogical databases, including identifiers such as:
- P214: 59877765, 195085902
- P227: 118645994
- P269: 118878921
- P373: Artabanos II of Parthia
- P569: -0100-01-01T00:00:00Z (approximate birth date)
- P570: +0038-01-01T00:00:00Z (approximate death date)
- P646: /m/05mw88
- P1006: 186546394
- P1185: 402419
- P1417: biography/Artabanus-III
- P1711: 86382
- P1819: I00717516
- P1871: cnp00576996
- P2950: artabanus II parthia
- P6404: artabano
- P8069: 20723
- P9106: 811
- P10553: 694842737
- P10832: E39PBJdx76Px96GkxmjcVRWv73
- P11835: 12016
- P12597: 27018
- P13030: person/4288
- P13049: 118645994

These identifiers are used in digital archives and knowledge graphs to track historical figures and their contributions across time.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013