General Surena (84–52 BCE), son of Arakhsh (Arash in Persian) and Massis, is a famed commander of cavalry during the reign of the Arsacid dynast Orodes II (r. 57–38 BCE).

In Life of Crassus 21, written c. 225 years after the commander's time, Plutarch describes Surena as "an extremely distinguished man.

In wealth, birth, and in the honor paid to him, he ranked next after the king; in courage and ability he was the foremost Parthian of his time; and in stature and personal beauty he had no equal."

Also according to Plutarch, there were "many slaves" in his army, suggesting the general had great wealth.

Plutarch also described him as "the tallest and finest looking man himself, but the delicacy of his looks and effeminacy of his dress did not promise so much manhood as he really was master of; or his face was painted, and his hair parted after the fashion of the Medes."