Arsaces is a Latinized form of Ἀρσάκης (Arsakes), which itself derives from the Greek rendering of the Old Persian name 𐎠𐎼𐏁𐎣 (Aršaka) or the Parthian 𐭀𐭓𐭔𐭊 (Aršak). The name is likely a diminutive of the Old Persian word 𐎠𐎼𐏁𐎠𐎴 (aršan), meaning "hero". Etymology and Historical Context The name Arsaces became the dynastic name for the Parthian Empire's rulers, adopted by all epigraphically attested kings of the Arsacid dynasties. The Parthian and Armenian forms were Aršak and Aršak respectively. The name's association with heroism likely contributed to its widespread use among Parthian royalty, who traced their lineage back to the first Arsacid king. Notable Bearers Several rulers from the Parthian and Armenian kingdoms bore the name Arsaces: Arsaces I of Parthia (reigned c. 247–211 BC) the founder of the Parthian Empire, who established the Arsacid dynasty after leading a rebellion against the Seleucid Empire. Arsaces II of Parthia (reigned c. 211–191 BC), sometimes identified as Artabanus I in older sequences. Arsaces of Pontus, a Roman client king of Pontus in the 1st century BC, son of Pharnaces II of Pontus. Arsaces I of Armenia (reigned 35 AD), son of Artabanus III of Parthia, who was granted the throne of Armenia by the Roman emperor Tiberius. Arsaces II (Arshak II), King of Armenia from c. 350 to 368 AD, and Arsaces III (Arshak III), King of Armenia from 378 to 387 AD. Arsakes, a minor Indo-Scythian ruler. Arsaces (conspirator), a Byzantine Armenian who was involved in a plot against Emperor Maurice. Variants Related names include: Aršaka (Old Persian), Arsakes (Parthian Greek form), and Aršak (Parthian and Armenian form).