Judea, which suggests that Phraates deliberately mounted his campaign during a time where the Seleucids were unable to respond. The Seleucid king Antiochus IV () left Judea to prepare to mount a retaliation campaign against the Parthians, but died near Gabae at the end of 164 BC, probably due to disease. His successor, the nine-year-old Antiochus V Eupator () was unable to focus on the Parthians, as his reign was marked by conflict, political intrigue, and Roman influence. Phraates notably appointed his brother Mithridates as his successor. It was common amongst Central Asian nomads for a ruler to be succeeded by his brother instead of his son. This practice may have survived amongst the Arsacids, owing to their nomadic origins. A passage by the 2nd-century Roman historian Justin suggests that Priapatius had chosen Mithridates as the successor of Phraates. Olbrycht supports this theory, stating that Phraates was by himself not in a position to choose his brother over his sons, due to his short reign. Justin reports that the interests of the country was of higher importance to Phraates I than that of his sons, which indicates that he supported the decision made by his father regarding the succession. Phraates I died in 165 or 164 BC, and was succeeded by Mithridates I. Coinage The coins minted under Phraates were identical to that of his predecessors. The observe depicts the Arsacid monarch, who is beardless, and wearing a soft cap, known as the kyrbasia, which had also been worn by Achaemenid satraps. On the reverse, there is a seated archer, dressed in an Iranian riding costume. References Sources 2nd-century BC Parthian monarchs 2nd-century BC rulers in Asia 160s BC deaths Year of birth unknown 2nd-century BC Iranian people