Parthia, AR drachm, Vologases III

Ancient Persia. Parthian Empire. Vologases III (105-147AD)

Vologases III was a ruler of the Parthian Empire who reigned from around 105 to 147 AD. His reign was marked by internal strife, wars with Rome, and conflicts with rival Parthian claimants

Key Aspects of His Reign:

Civil War & Rival Claimants: Vologases III was one of multiple contenders for the Parthian throne. He initially ruled over parts of the empire while rival claimants, including Osroes I and later Parthamaspates, also controlled territories.

Conflict with Rome: During his time, the Roman emperor Trajan (98–117 AD) launched a major invasion of Parthia (114–117 AD), temporarily capturing Armenia, Mesopotamia, and Ctesiphon. However, after Trajan’s death, Hadrian (117–138 AD) withdrew from these conquests, restoring some balance.

Struggles for Armenia: Like many Parthian rulers, Vologases III was involved in conflicts over Armenia, which was a key battleground between Rome and Parthia.

Final Years & Successors: By the time of his death around 147 AD, Vologases III had largely consolidated power, but he was succeeded by Vologases IV, who continued to deal with Roman threats and internal instability

AR drachm (3.60 g, 17 mm)

OBVERSE: bust left with short beard, wearing double banded diadem with double loop, long hair, spiral torque, dotted border

REVERSE: seated figure of Arsaces (the dynasty’s founder) right, monogram below bow, seven line inscription “ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΝ ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ ΟΛΑΓΑΣΟΥ ΔΙΚΑΙΟΥ ΕΠΙΦΑΝΟΥΣ ΦΙΛΕΛΛΗΝΟΣ” (King of Kings Arsaces Vologases, the Just, the Illustrious, the Philhellene)

The term ΦΙΛΕΛΛΗΝΟΣ (Philhellene), meaning “friend of the Greeks,” was a way for Parthian kings to appeal to Hellenistic subjects and traditions, even though Parthia was a distinctly Persian-influenced empire

XF. RARE

Reference: Z-148216 (this coin)

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