Ariobarzanes I of Cappadocia facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ariobarzanes I
Coin of Ariobarzanes, minted at Mazaca in 83/82 BC
King of Cappadocia
Reign	95–63/62 BC
Predecessor	Ariarathes VIII (Ariarathid dynasty)
Successor	Ariobarzanes II
Spouse	Athenais Philostorgos I
Issue	Ariobarzanes II

Ariobarzanes I was a king of Cappadocia, a region in ancient Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). He ruled from 95 BC to 63/62 BC. His nickname was Philoromaios, which means "Friend to the Romans." This shows he had a strong alliance with the powerful Roman Republic during his time.

Who Was Ariobarzanes I?

Ariobarzanes came from a noble Persian family in Cappadocia. His name, "Ariobarzanes," is a Greek version of an old Iranian name. It might mean "exalting the Aryans," which refers to a group of ancient people. Like earlier kings of Cappadocia, Ariobarzanes also said he was a direct descendant of the companions of Darius the Great. Darius was a famous king of the Achaemenid Empire, a huge Persian empire that existed long before Ariobarzanes.

Showing Roman Friendship

Ariobarzanes continued to make coins similar to the kings before him. These coins had a Greek style. However, he added something new: his own portrait on the coins looked very realistic, like Roman portraits. This was a way to show his strong friendship and loyalty to the Romans.

Becoming King

Ariobarzanes I became king because the citizens of Cappadocia voted for him. This happened after the Roman Senate, a powerful governing body in Rome, supported him. The Roman consul Lucius Cornelius Sulla also helped him become king. Cappadocia was seen as a "Roman protectorate," meaning Rome protected it and had a lot of influence over its rulers.

A Challenging Reign

Being king was not easy for Ariobarzanes. He was removed from his throne three different times by King Mithridates, a powerful enemy of Rome. Each time, Ariobarzanes managed to get his kingdom back with Roman help.

During the Third Mithridatic War, a major conflict between Rome and Mithridates, the Roman general Pompey helped Ariobarzanes a lot. With Pompey's support, Ariobarzanes not only got his kingdom back but also managed to gain more land.

Stepping Down

Eventually, Ariobarzanes decided to give up his throne. He passed the rule to his son, Ariobarzanes II, in 63 or 62 BC.

Family Life

Ariobarzanes I was married to a Greek noblewoman named Athenais Philostorgos I. They had two children together. Their son, Ariobarzanes II, became king after his father. They also had a daughter named Isias, who later married King Antiochus I Theos of Commagene, another important ruler in the region.