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ARSACES

(Gk. Arsakēs)

A Parthian military leader, who in the mid-3rd century b.c.e. rebelled against Seleucus II and established a dynasty that continued until the 3rd century c.e. Arsaces became the name that all Parthian kings adopted. Parthia gained official independence from Antiochus III, who was unable to defeat a coalition in which Parthia participated. Antiochus IV also suffered defeat at the hands of Arsaces VI (Mithradates I). After Antiochus IV’s death, Mithradates conquered Media and Mesopotamia. In 161 Demetrius I took Media from the Parthians after his victory over Timarchus. In 141 his son Demetrius II marched east where he met the expanding Parthian Empire still under the rule of Arsaces Mithradates I. Mithradates’ commanders defeated and captured Demetrius and brought him to their king (1 Macc. 14:1-3). Mithradates, however, treated Demetrius II well, and later Demetrius married his sister.

Rodney A. Werline

Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

ARSACES

Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (2000)