other provinces were safe, or nearly so.  On the other hand, the loss of it to Parthia laid the eastern provinces open to her, and was at once almost equivalent to the loss of all Rhagiana, which had no other natural protection.  Now we find that Phraates surmounted the “Gates,” and effected a lodgment in the plain country beyond them.  He removed a portion of the conquered Mardians from their mountain homes to the city of Charax, which was on the western side of the Gates, probably on the site now occupied by the ruins known as Uewanikif.  Their location in this strong post was a menace to the neighboring town of Rhages, which can scarcely have maintained itself long against an enemy encamped at its doors.  We are not informed, however, of any results which followed on the occupation of Charax during the lifetime of Phraates.  His reign lasted only seven years—­from B.C. 181 to B.C. 174—­and it is thus probable that he died before there was time for his second important conquest to have any further consequences.

Phraates had sufficient warning of his coming decease to make preparations with respect to a successor.  Though he had several sons, some of whom were (we must suppose) of sufficient age to have ascended the throne, he left his crown to his brother, Mithridates.  He felt, probably, that the State required the direction of a firm hand, that war might at any time break out with either Syria or Bactria; while, if the career of conquest on which he had made Parthia enter were to be pursued, he could trust his brother better than any of his sons to conduct aggressive expeditions with combined vigor and prudence.  We shall see, as the history proceeds, how Mithridates justified his choice.  Phraates would also appear to have borne his brother especial affection, since he takes the name of “Philadelphus” (brother-loving) upon his coins.  It must have been a satisfaction to him that he was able by his last act at once to consult for the good of his country, and to gratify a sentiment on which it is evident that he prided himself.

CHAPTER V.

Reign of Mithridates I. Position of Bactria and Syria at his accession.  His first war with Bactria.  His great Expedition against the Eastern Syrian provinces, and its results.  His second war with Bactria, terminating in its conquest.  Extent of his Empire.  Attempt of Demetrius Nicator to recover the lost Provinces fails.  Captivity of Demetrius.  Death of Mithridates.

The reign of Mithridates I. is the most important in the Parthian history. [Plate 1.  Fig. 3.] Receiving from his brother Phraates a kingdom of but narrow dimensions, confined (as it would seem) between the city of Charax on the one side, and the river Arius, or Hori-rud, on the other, he transformed it, within the space of thirty-seven years (which was the time that his reign lasted), into a great and nourishing Empire.  It is not too much to say that, but for him, Parthia might have remained a more petty State on the outskirts of the Syrian kingdom, and, instead of becoming a rival to Rome, might have sunk shortly into obscurity and insignificance.