Gotarzes II of Parthia vs Seti II

Gotarzes II seized the Parthian throne by force, overthrowing the legitimate king Artabanus II's successor. His usurpation triggered a period of civil war and instability in Parthia.

Gotarzes II fought a civil war against his rival Vardanes I, who also claimed the throne. The conflict ended with Vardanes' assassination, leaving Gotarzes as the sole ruler of Parthia.

Gotarzes II murdered his brother Meherdates, who had been sent by Rome to claim the Parthian throne. This act eliminated a rival and consolidated Gotarzes' power, but deepened the rift with Rome.

Gotarzes II attempted to assert Parthian control over Armenia, leading to conflict with Rome. The dispute was unresolved at his death, contributing to the ongoing Roman-Parthian rivalry.

Early in Seti II's reign, a rival named Amenmesse seized control of Upper Egypt and Nubia, claiming the throne. Seti II was forced to contend with this usurpation, which divided the kingdom and weakened central authority. The conflict lasted several years before Seti II regained control.

After suppressing Amenmesse's revolt, Seti II reasserted his authority over Thebes. He ordered the erasure of Amenmesse's name from monuments and restored the power of the priesthood. This action stabilized the region but did not fully reverse the decline of Dynasty XIX.

Seti II commissioned his tomb in the Valley of the Kings (KV15). The tomb's decoration was left incomplete, reflecting the troubled times. It was later usurped by later pharaohs. The tomb provides archaeological evidence of the period's artistic and political instability.