Xerxes of Sophene facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Xerxes |
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Coin of Xerxes, from around 220 BC
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| King of Sophene and Commagene | |
| Reign | 228 – 212 BC |
| Predecessor | Arsames I |
| Successor | Zariadres |
| Died | 212 BC Sophene |
| Consort | Antiochis |
| Issue | Zariadres(?) |
| Dynasty | Orontid Dynasty |
| Father | Arsames I |
Xerxes was a king who ruled two ancient lands called Sophene and Commagene. He was king from 228 BC to 212 BC. Xerxes took over after his father, Arsames I, who was also a king.
What's in a Name?
The name Xerxes comes from an old Iranian word, Xšaya-ṛšā. It means 'ruling over heroes'. This was a popular name for kings in the ancient Persian Empire.
Xerxes' Time as King
Xerxes was part of a royal family called the Orontid dynasty. His father, Arsames I, was a powerful king who ruled over lands like Sophene, Commagene, and maybe even Armenia.
When his father passed away in 228 BC, Xerxes became the king of Sophene and Commagene. His brother, Orontes IV, became the ruler of Armenia.
Around 223 BC, some local governors, called satraps, rebelled against a powerful king named Antiochus III. These rebellions happened in different parts of the large Seleucid Empire. By 220 BC, Antiochus III had mostly stopped these uprisings.
Because of these problems, Antiochus III decided to become more powerful. In 212 BC, he attacked Xerxes' kingdom and surrounded the city of Arsamosata. After a battle, Antiochus III defeated Xerxes.
To make peace, Antiochus III arranged for Xerxes to marry his sister, Antiochis. However, in the same year, Antiochis arranged for her new husband, Xerxes, to be killed. She thought this would allow her brother, Antiochus III, to take full control of Sophene. It is not known if Xerxes was still ruling Commagene when he died.
See Also
- Do you want to learn more? Check out the article in Spanish: Jerjes de Armenia para niños
