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Archelaus CappadociaKing of Cappadocia from 36 to 17.
Date of Birth: .
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Content:
- King Archelaus of Cappadocia (36-17 BCE)
- Shared Rule
- Territorial Expansion and Economic Woes
- Downfall and Legacy
- The Fate of the Comanian Dynasty
King Archelaus of Cappadocia (36-17 BCE)
Accidental Accession to PowerArchelaus Philopator became king of Cappadocia almost by chance. When the leaders of the Second Triumvirate turned against each other, Archelaus sided with Mark Antony. As a reward, Antony appointed him king of Cappadocia in 36 BCE, replacing the dethroned king Ariarathes X.
Shared Rule
Archelaus' rule was not absolute; he shared power with his wife (XII.III.29). His daughter Glaphyra was married first to Alexander and then to Archelaus, both sons of Herod the Great. From her first marriage, she had two children (Flav. Iud. ant. 17.1.2).
Territorial Expansion and Economic Woes
Upon becoming king, Archelaus acquired territory from Pontus, possibly including the priestly city of Comana Pontica. However, Cappadocia under Archelaus was a financially struggling kingdom. According to Horace, "The Cappadocian king has many slaves but lacks money" (1.6.39).
Downfall and Legacy
Archelaus' reign ended tragically. Emperor Tiberius summoned him to Rome and forced him to commit suicide (Vita XII Caesar. Tib. 37.4). Tiberius held a grudge against Archelaus for neglecting him during his exile on Rhodes (Ann. II.42).
With Archelaus' death in 17 CE, Cappadocia became a Roman province. However, according to Tacitus, it was not immediately under direct Roman control. A vassal king named Archelaus II briefly ruled before the kingdom was fully annexed.
The Fate of the Comanian Dynasty
The fragment from Tacitus' "Annals" (VI.41) suggests that the Comanian dynasty had diminished status under Archelaus II. The kingdom was effectively a Roman province, and its people were subject to Roman census and taxation.
