Abgarid dynasty

The Abgarid dynasty or Abgar dynasty was a dynasty of Nabataean Arab origin.[1][2] Members of the dynasty, the Abgarids, reigned between 134 and 242 over Edessa and Osroene in Upper Mesopotamia, "first a buffer state between Rome and the Parthians and later a vassal state of Rome".[1] Some members of the dynasty bore Iranian names, while others had Arab names.[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]