Barzapharnes is a Parthian general during the latter half of the 1st century BCE.
In 40 BCE, Barzapharnes commands a Parthian invasion of the Levant, commanded and aided by Pacorus, who allies himself with the Roman outlaw Quintus Labienus, and seizes Syria.
Barzapharnes’ campaign culminates in the capture of Jerusalem, and the replacement of Phasael and Hyrcanus II by the pro-parthian Hasmonean prince, Antigonus ben Aristobulus.
Within a short time, the entirety of Judea had been subjugated, with a few exceptions, including the heavily fortified Tyre/Ptolemais.
The Parthian force is driven out of Judea by Herod the Great (with Roman support) in 37 BCE, while Ventidius drives the Parthians out of Asia Minor and Syria.
Pacorus is killed in battle, but Barzapharnes’ fate remains unknown.
