Ariobarzanes III of Cappadocia

Ariobarzanes III
Bust of Ariobarzanes III as depicted in a silver drachm minted in its name
King ofCappadocia
Reign	51 BC to 42 BC.
Predecessor	Ariobarzanes II of Cappadocia
Successor	Ariarathes X Eusebes Philadelphos
Names Ariobarzanes III Eusebes Philorhomaios
Father	Ariobarzanes II
Mother	Athenais Philostorgos II

Ariobarzanes III,surnamedEusebes Philorhomaios,"Pious and Friend of the Romans" (Ancient Greek:Ἀριοβαρζάνης Εὐσεβής Φιλορώμαιος,Ariobarzánēs Eusebḗs Philorōmaíos), was the king ofCappadociafrom ca. 51 BC until 42 BC.

He was ofPersianandGreekancestry. TheRoman Senateagreed that he was to be the successor of his father,Ariobarzanes II of Cappadocia;Cicero,Roman governorofCilicia,noted that he was surrounded by enemies who included his mother,Athenais.

Originally highly supportive ofPompeydespite the cost, he was maintained in his position afterJulius Caesarwon thecivil warinRome,even gaining territory with the addition ofLesser Armenia.TheliberatorCassius Longinushad him executed in 42 BC because he would not allow moreRomanintervention in his kingdom. He was succeeded by his brother,Ariarathes X of Cappadocia.

References

• Hornblower, Simon; Spawforth, Antony (1996).The Oxford Classical Dictionary.Oxford University Press.
• Chisholm, Hugh,ed. (1911)."Ariobarzanes s.v.".Encyclopædia Britannica.Vol. 2 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. pp. 491–492.