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 Arab 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]

Kings

References

Sources

• Ramelli, Ilaria L.E. (2018). "Abgarids". In Hunter, David G.; van Geest, Paul J.J.; Peerbolte, Bert Jan Lietaert (eds.). Brill Encyclopedia of Early Christianity Online.
• Sartre, Maurice (2005). "The Arabs and the desert peoples". In Bowman, Alan K.; Garnsey, Peter; Cameron, Averil (eds.). The Cambridge Ancient History: Volume 12, The Crisis of Empire, AD 193-337. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-0521301992.
• Segal, J.B. (1982). "ABGAR". In Yarshater, Ehsan (ed.). Encyclopædia Iranica, Volume I/2: ʿAbd-al-Hamīd–ʿAbd-al-Hamīd. London and New York: Routledge & Kegan Paul. pp. 210–213. ISBN 978-0-71009-091-1.