By: Mir M.Hosseini
The Iranian senate Mehestan elected Artabanus 3 who was relative to Ashk I by his mother as the new king. During Parthian dynasty, Kingdom was not necessary inherited and the senate which was comprised of influential noblemen could elect the king. Still it was a custom to choose the crown prince during the reign of the living Shah from among his sons, brothers, or nephews. This was the general custom unless the king died before such event took place.