Nero crowns Tiridates I

The image shows the Roman emperor Nero crowning Tiridates I as King of Armenia. The event took place in Rome in the year 66.

The coronation was the outcome of the Roman–Parthian war (58–63) and the peace settlement that followed. Under the agreement Armenia became a buffer state between Rome and Parthia. The Armenian throne was to be held by a member of the Parthian Arsacid dynasty, but with Rome’s approval. Tiridates I is regarded as the founder of the Armenian branch of the Arsacids, which ruled Armenia until 428. During the solemn ceremony Tiridates bowed before Nero, after which the emperor placed the crown on his head.

In the engraving the seated emperor places a crown on the head of a man kneeling before him. Around them are soldiers and people, and in the background a column and buildings. At the bottom are the names R. Vinkeles and L. Portman.