Tacitus, the reign of Tiberius and the Parthian Empire

Abstract

Resumen: The principate of Tiberius (AD14-37) was one of repeated cold and thawed relations with the Parthian Empire. Trade flourished, but so did war. At times, Tiberius gained the ascendency. At other times, his rival in the East, Artabanus II did. Through the use of nominees and allies, each supported their own imperialist causes and military forces, against each other. In this article, it is shown that these Romano-Parthian relations during the reign of Tiberius were far from static. In fact, they were multifaceted, punctuated by peace, trade, and war. This article addresses the growing field of interest that is the Parthian Empire, in the context of the principate of Tiberius. In doing so, it shall be shown that far from being an incapable ruler, Tiberius was able to diametrically oppose the Parthians with remarkable success.