Pertinax vs Phraates IV of Parthia

Pertinax attempted to restore discipline to the Praetorian Guard and reform the imperial finances. He reduced taxes, sold off Commodus's extravagant possessions, and tried to curb corruption. These reforms alienated the Praetorian Guard, who expected a large donative.

Pertinax was proclaimed Roman emperor by the Praetorian Guard after the assassination of Commodus. He was the son of a freedman and had a distinguished military and political career. His accession was initially welcomed by the Senate and people as a return to good governance.

After only 87 days in power, Pertinax was assassinated by the Praetorian Guard. The Guard stormed the imperial palace and killed him because he refused to pay them the promised donative. His death triggered a civil war and the auctioning of the empire to Didius Julianus.

Phraates IV murdered his father, Phraates III, with the help of his brothers to seize the Parthian throne. This act of patricide initiated a period of dynastic instability and civil war in Parthia.

Phraates IV successfully defended Parthia against a major Roman invasion led by Mark Antony. Antony's campaign ended in disaster, with heavy Roman losses due to Parthian tactics and harsh terrain, securing Parthian independence.

Phraates IV faced a rebellion from the usurper Tiridates II, who briefly seized control of Parthia. Phraates regained the throne with the help of Scythian allies, crushing the revolt and executing Tiridates.

Phraates IV negotiated the return of the Roman legionary standards lost at the Battle of Carrhae in 53 BC. In exchange, he secured peace with Augustus and the recognition of Parthian control over Armenia.

Phraates IV was murdered by his son Phraates V (Phraataces) and his wife Musa, who then seized the throne. This assassination continued the pattern of dynastic violence in the Arsacid dynasty.