Mithridates II (the Great), was the king of Parthia from c. 123 to 88 BC. Parthia reached its greatest extent during his reign.

He saved the kingdom from the Scythians (Sacae or Tocharii), who had occupied Bactria and eastern Iran and killed his predecessor in battle. Mithridates II extended the limits of the empire, according to the 3rd century Roman historian Junianus Justinus who tends to confuse him with Mithridates III, under whom Parthia received severe setbacks.

He defeated King Artavasdes I of Armenia and conquered seventy valleys; and the prince Tigranes came as hostage to the Parthians. His name invokes the protection of Mithra. His coins show him bearded, wearing the high domed Parthian crown applied with a star.

He also interfered in the wars of the dynasts of Syria. He was the first Parthian king who entered into negotiations with Rome, then represented by Lucius Cornelius Sulla, praetor of Cilicia in 92 BC.

References

• Junianus Justinus, xlii, 2.
• Strabo, xi, 532.
• Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews xiii, xiv.