| Pacorus II 𐭐𐭊𐭅𐭓 | |
|---|---|
| King of Kings | |
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| King of the Parthian Empire | |
| Reign | 78 – 110 |
| Predecessor | Vologases I (predecessor) Vologases II (rival king) Artabanus III (rival king) |
| Successor | Vologases III (successor) Osroes I (rival king) |
| Born | c. 61/2 |
| Died | 110 (aged 48 or 49) |
| Issue | Vologases III Axidares Parthamasiris Meredates |
| Dynasty | Arsacid dynasty |
| Father | Vologases I |
| Religion | Zoroastrianism |
Pacorus II (also spelled Pakoros II; 𐭐𐭊𐭅𐭓) was the King of Kings of the Parthian Empire from 78 to 110. He was the son and successor of Vologases I (r. 51–78).
During the latter part of his father's reign, Pacorus ruled the Parthian Empire along with him. After Vologases I's death in 78, Pacorus became the sole ruler, but was quickly met by a revolt by his brother Vologases II, which lasted until the latter's defeat in 80. In 79/80, Pacorus' rule was contended by another Parthian prince—Artabanus III—whom he had defeated by 81. A third Parthian contender, Osroes I, appeared in 109. The following year, Pacorus was succeeded by his son Vologases III, who continued his father's struggle with Osroes I over the Parthian crown.
Like his father, Pacorus continued the same policies of the prominent former Parthian king Artabanus II (r. 12–38/41), which included increasing the economic sources of the Parthian Empire by establishing a new trade system and strengthening relations with other powers, such as Han China. Parthian interest also continued to grow in eastern lands of Khwarazm, Bactria, and the Hindu Kush. The influence of the Parthians is demonstrated by the existence of their aspects in the coinage of numerous political entities in those areas.
Under Pacorus, the usage of the image of the Greek goddess Tyche on the reverse of Parthian coins became more regular than that of the seated king with a bow, specifically on the coin minted at Ecbatana. Tyche was either a representation of the Iranian goddesses Anahita or Ashi.