ARSACES . A king of Parthia (known also as Mithridates I.). When opposed by Demetrius Nikator, who thought the people would rise in his favour and afterwards assist him against Tryphon, he deceived Demetrius by a pretence of negotiations, and in b.c. 138 took him prisoner ( 1Ma 14:1-3; Justin, xxxvi. 1). In 1Ma 15:22 Arsaces is mentioned among the kings to whom was sent an edict (Jos. [Note: Josephus.] Ant . XIV. viii. 5) from Rome forbidding the persecution of the Jews.