Abgarid dynasty

Abgarid
CountryEdessa, Osroene
Founded134 BC
Current headExtinct
Final rulerAbgar X Frahad (only in name)
Dissolution242 AD

The Abgarid dynasty was a dynasty of Nabataean Arab origin.[1][2] Members of the dynasty, the Abgarids, reigned between 134 BC and 242 AD over Edessa and Osroene in Upper Mesopotamia.[1] Some members of the dynasty bore Iranian names, while others had Arabic names, including Abgar itself.[3] J.B. Segal notes that the names ending in "-u" are "undoubtedly Nabatean".[3] The Abgarid dynasts spoke "a form of Aramaic".[3]

Following the Battle of Carrhae (53 BC), members of the dynasty pursued a broadly pro-Parthian policy for about two centuries.[3] At the turn of the 2nd century AD, the Romans turned Osroene into a Roman client state.[3] During Caracalla's reign (r.198–217), most likely in 214, Abgar IX Severus was deposed and Osroene was incorporated as a Roman province (colonia).[3] Thereafter, Abgarid dynasts only ruled in name.[3] Abgar X Frahad, the last nominal Abgarid ruler, settled in Rome together with his wife.[3]

  1. ^ a b Ramelli 2018.
  2. ^ Sartre 2005, p. 500.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h Segal 1982, pp. 210–213.