Sinatruces (c. 77 - 70 B.C.)

   This king was the brother of Phraates II and the son (adopted?) of Mitradates I. Sinatruces (or Sinatruk) was brought to the throne by the Sacaraucae, at age 80, during a time of confusion in Parthia, for Tigranes II of Armenia had retaken Atropatene and Gordyene, and had made incursions almost as far west as Ecbatana, and took the title 'king of kings' which Parthian kings of that time did not hold according to their coins. This state of affairs lasted until the Roman general Lucullus took Nisibis in 68 B.C., diverting the attention of the Armenians away from Parthia to their east. But for the most part, Sinatruces appears to have been involved with the Armenians his full reign.
   It is believed that Sinatruces was an Arsacid prince, for little other reason can be found for placing him on the throne at his advanced age. His coins are found in Susa, as well as elsewhere, and indication that he recovered most of Iran, including Babylonia, for the Parthians. He was succeeded by his son Phraates III sometime between 70 and 68 B.C.