The Middle East: 4–15 CE

Dynastic Turmoil and Roman Influence

The diplomatic settlement of CE 1 between Rome and Parthia, which mandates the withdrawal of Parthian troops from Armenia, provides only a fragile peace, as the contest for influence in this strategically vital region continues unabated. Throughout this period, Rome skillfully maintains its dominance by manipulating power relations among client kingdoms and allies.

In Parthia, internal instability escalates dramatically. The reign of Phraates V comes to an abrupt end around CE 4, marked by dynastic intrigue and his assassination. This turmoil facilitates the brief ascendancy of Orodes III, whose reign proves equally short-lived due to ongoing political factionalism. By approximately CE 8, Vonones I, who had previously spent significant time in Rome and thus embodies Roman cultural and political influence, secures the Parthian throne with initial Roman backing. His distinctly pro-Roman inclinations, however, quickly raise suspicion and hostility among the Parthian nobility and aristocratic elite, who resent foreign interference in their affairs.

Throughout this turbulent decade, Rome maintains a careful diplomatic posture, navigating complex regional dynamics with calculated interventions aimed at ensuring a stable frontier. Armenia remains at the heart of Roman strategic concerns, serving as both a buffer state against Parthian expansion and a focal point of sustained Roman political and military interest. This period solidifies Rome’s strategic approach of managing regional power balances through indirect means, setting the stage for continued rivalry and diplomacy in the decades that follow.

Orodes III, raised to the throne of the Parthian Empire around CE 4 by the magnates after the death of Phraates V of Parthia, is killed after a short reign "on account of his extreme cruelty" (Josephus).

After the assassination of Orodes III in about the year CE 6, the Parthians apply to Augustus for a new King from the house of Arsaces.

Augustus sends them Phraates V's brother Vonones I, the eldest son of Phraates IV.