Page:Political History of Parthia.pdf/98

52 name again suggests conflict with the reigning Arsaces, presumably Gotarzes, who is henceforth no longer known to us. Orodes ruled but a brief span, for in 76/75 an Arshakan, king, and his sister-wife, Isbubarza, queen, appear on the tablets. This must be Sinatruces, who was undoubtedly on the throne by that date. Sinatruces was an old man of eighty when recalled from among the Sacaraucae to rule over Parthia. Although assisted by these nomads, he presumably was related to the Arsacidae, and this would explain why he was summoned to end a period of dissension. In the winter of 72/71 Mithradates of Pontus requested assistance against the Romans, but the aged Sinatruces was in no position to antagonize such powerful opponents and re-