Reign 245–238 BCE (as King) Role Seleucid satrap Name Andragoras Andragoras | Died 238 BC, Parthia Successor Arsaces I of Parthia | |
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Narisanka, better known by his Hellenized name of Andragoras (died 238 BCE) was an Iranian nobleman who served as the Seleucid satrap of the province of Parthia under the Seleucid rulers Antiochus I Soter and Antiochus II Theos.
Andragoras proclaimed independence from the Seleucid Empire in 247–245 BCE, at a time when the Seleucids were embroiled in conflict with Ptolemaic Egypt. He revolted soon after the Greco-Bactrian Kingdom had broken away from the Seleucids, and Andragorus may have been allied with the new Bactrian king, Diodotus I. In defiance, he issued coins in which he wears the royal diadem as well as his name.
Andragoras ruled only for a few years, before being vanquished and killed by the Parni led by Arsaces around 238 BCE, who went on to create the Parthian Empire:
"He (Arsaces) was used to a life of pillage and theft, when he heard about the defeat of Seleucus against the Gauls. Relieved from his fear of the king, he attacked the Parthians with a band of thieves, vanquished their prefect Andragoras, and, after having killed him took the power over the nation" ("Hic solitus latrociniis et rapto uiuere accepta opinione Seleucum a Gallis in Asia uictum, solutus regis metu, cum praedonum manu Parthos ingressus praefectum eorum Andragoran oppressit sublatoque eo imperium gentis inuasit") Justin, xli. 4.