Mithradates III Coin Pendant

Parthia, ancient empire of Asia, in what is now Iran and Afghanistan. The Parthians were of Scythian descent, and adopted Median dress and Aryan speech. They were excellent horsemen and archers. In battle, mounted Parthians often discharged their arrows back toward the enemy while pretending to flee; this is the origin of the phrase “A Parthian Shot.”

Mithradates III was the son of Phraates III. He ruled Parthia for a short 3 years. Parthia was a rich and powerful nation at that time, and many were ambitious to rule her. Mithradates III, along with his brother Orodes II, lusted after their father’s throne, and managed to take it. But consipiracy makes strange bedfellows, and they had a falling out and the reign of Mithradates III came to an end.