Parthian Kings — Orodes II (57–38 BC) AR Drachm, Ekbatana mint. Weight: 3.97 g | Diameter: 18 mm | Die axis: 12h. Obverse: Diademed and draped bust of Orodes II left, wearing short beard, diadem, and pellet-ended torque; within a border of pellets. Reverse: Beardless archer (Arsakes I) wearing bashlyk and cloak, seated right on throne, holding bow; monogram below bow; seven-line Greek legend: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΝ ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ ΕΥΕΡΓΕΤΟΥ ΔΙΚΑΙΟΥ ΕΠΙΦΑΝΟΥΣ ΦΙΛΕΛΛΗΝΟΣ (“Of King of Kings Arsakes, the Benefactor, the Just, the Illustrious, Friend of the Greeks”). No border. References: Sellwood 43.1; Shore 214. Condition: VF. ________________________________________ Historical Background After defeating and killing his brother Mithradates IV, Orodes II consolidated Parthia under his sole rule. His reign was marked by both civil strife and extraordinary military achievement, most notably the defeat of Crassus at Carrhae in 53 BC, where Parthian horse archers and cataphracts annihilated a much larger Roman army and captured the legionary standards. This victory established Parthia as a major rival to Rome. Later, Orodes supported Quintus Labienus and his son Pakoros in campaigns against Roman territories, but their deaths in 38 BC led to his downfall — Orodes was soon murdered by his son Phraates IV. Despite his violent end, his reign marked the height of Parthian military prestige and the beginning of a long-standing East–West rivalry.