Rhoemetalces II facts for kids

Rhoemetalces II was a ruler of the Sapaean kingdom in Thrace. This kingdom was under the control of the Roman Empire. He ruled alongside his mother, Antonia Tryphaena, from the year 18 AD to 38 AD. On the coins made during his rule, his royal title was written in Greek as ΒΑΣΙΛΕΥΣ ΡΟΙΜΗΤΑΛΚΑΣ, which means "King Rhoemetalces".

Rhoemetalces II: A Roman Client King

Rhoemetalces II was known as a "client ruler." This means he was a local king who governed his own land but was loyal to and supported by the powerful Roman Empire. The Romans often used client kings to help them manage their vast territories.

How He Became King

Rhoemetalces II and his mother, Tryphaena, became rulers after a family conflict. His great-uncle, Rhescuporis II, had taken the throne from Rhoemetalces II's father, Cotys VIII. This act of taking power illegally is called "usurping" the throne.

The Roman Emperor Tiberius stepped in to resolve the situation. Emperor Tiberius removed Rhescuporis II from power. Then, he placed Rhoemetalces II and his mother, Tryphaena, on the throne instead. This shows how much influence the Roman emperors had over the kingdoms connected to their empire.

Ruling Thrace with His Mother

Rhoemetalces II and Tryphaena were very loyal to the Roman Empire. They worked closely with Emperor Tiberius. For example, in 26 AD, they helped put down a rebellion by people in Thrace who were unhappy with Roman rule. These "malcontents" were causing trouble, and Rhoemetalces II helped keep peace for the Romans.

His Life and Successor

Rhoemetalces II never married and did not have any children. He ruled for twenty years until his death in 38 AD. After he passed away, his cousin, Rhoemetalces III, became the new king. Rhoemetalces III was the son of Rhescuporis II, the king who had been removed by Emperor Tiberius. After Rhoemetalces II's death, his mother, Antonia Tryphaena, retired from public life. She went to live as a private citizen in a city called Cyzicus.