Mithridates IV was a son of
Phraates III (), under whom he served as the ruler of the central province of
Media. In 57 BC, Mithridates murdered his father with the assistance of his younger brother
Orodes. However, the two brothers quickly fell out, and Orodes revolted with the support of the
Suren clan. They both assumed the title of
King of Kings to demonstrate their claims of superiority over each other. This changed the meaning of the title; originally being used as a symbol of political dominance over other realms, the title became known as a symbol of power and legitimacy for contenders in a royal family. Mithridates IV was forced to flee from Parthia to
Roman Syria. He took refuge with
Aulus Gabinius, the Roman proconsul and governor of Syria. Mithridates IV then returned to invade Parthia with Gabinius in support. The Roman proconsul marched with Mithridates IV to the
Euphrates, but turned back to restore another ruler,
Ptolemy XII Auletes of
Egypt, to his throne. Despite losing his Roman support, Mithridates IV advanced into
Mesopotamia and managed to conquer
Babylonia. He ousted Orodes and briefly restored his reign as king in 55 BC, minting coins in
Seleucia until 54 BC. However, king Mithridates IV was besieged by Orodes' general,
Surena, in Seleucia, and after a prolonged resistance, offered battle to Orodes' forces and was defeated. Mithridates IV was afterwards executed in 54 BC by Orodes. == Notes ==