Page:Political History of Parthia.pdf/290

244 was then governor of Cappadocia, finally forced them to halt. Vologases complained to Hadrian against Pharasmanes. But when Pharasmanes was "invited" to Rome, he refused, and insults were exchanged between him and Hadrian.

From the death of Osroes to the end of the reign of Vologases II, 128/29–147, to judge from comparative numismatic evidence, there was in Iran a king by the name of Mithradates (IV), as his Pahlavi coin legend informs us. His bronze issues display a number of animal types—eagle, reclining humped bull, sheep, heads of horses and bulls. Apparently, however, there are no literary references to his activities.

In 138 Hadrian died and was succeeded by Antoninus Pius, but there were no difficulties on the Parthian frontier which the western historians deemed worthy of mention. In May, 148, appear coins of Vologases III, who must have succeeded to the throne without a struggle and who ruled until about March, 192.