Kings of Parthia. Rhagae. Sinatrukes 93-69 BC.
Drachm AR

21 mm, 3,87 g

Diademed and draped bust of Sinatrukes to left, wearing tiara decorated with horn and stags / BAΣIΛEΩΣ MEΓ-AΛOV APΣAKOY ΘEOΠATPOY NIKATOPOΣ, archer (Arsakes I) seated right, holding bow.

Very Fine

Sellwood 33.4 ('Gotarzes I'); Shore 114 ('Gotarzes I'); Sunrise 302.

Sinatrukes (also spelled Sinatruces or Sanatruces) was a king of the Parthian Empire who reigned from approximately 93 BC to 69 BC. His reign is notable for the difficult circumstances under which he came to power and the efforts he made to stabilize the empire during a period of internal strife and external threats. Sinatrukes was of royal Parthian blood, belonging to the Arsacid dynasty, but he spent much of his early life in exile. During this time, the Parthian Empire was beset by civil wars and conflicts over succession, as well as pressures from neighboring powers like the Scythians and the Romans. These internal divisions weakened the empire significantly. In the chaos following the death of King Mithradates II, the Parthian Empire became fragmented, with various contenders for the throne. Sinatrukes, who was in his late 80s at the time, was brought back from exile with the support of the Scythian tribes. Despite his advanced age, he was chosen as a unifying figure and installed as king around 93 BC, likely because of his noble lineage and his ability to command respect from various factions within the empire. Sinatrukes' reign was primarily focused on restoring order and stability to the Parthian Empire. He managed to reassert control over much of the empire, though his rule was constantly challenged by both internal rivals and external enemies. His efforts laid the groundwork for future consolidation under his successors. Despite the challenges he faced, Sinatrukes is remembered as a resilient and determined ruler who helped to hold the Parthian Empire together during a tumultuous period. He was succeeded by his son, Phraates III, who continued the work of stabilizing and strengthening the empire. Sinatrukes' reign, though not as illustrious as that of earlier Parthian kings like Mithradates II, was crucial in ensuring the continuity of the Arsacid dynasty and the survival of the Parthian state during a time of crisis.