95-63BC Cappadocia Ariobarzanes I Silver Drachm – gVF

Ariobarzanes I of Cappadocia

Ariobarzanes hailed from one of Cappadocia’s Persian aristocratic families. Claiming direct lineage to Darius the Great’s companions, like the earlier Ariarathid dynasty, Ariobarzanes minted Greek-style coins, adding a Roman veristic touch to his portraits to signal allegiance with Rome.

Initially chosen by the people of Cappadocia after the Roman Senate dismissed Ariarathes IX’s claims, Ariobarzanes I gained power with support from Roman consul Lucius Cornelius Sulla. His reign over the kingdom, considered a Roman protectorate, faced intermittent removals by King Mithridates, until he not only regained but expanded his territory under General Pompey during the Third Mithridatic War. Eventually, he stepped down, paving the way for his son Ariobarzanes II’s rule in 63/62 BC.

Athenais Philostorgos I, a Greek noblewoman, became Ariobarzanes I’s queen. She bore him two children: Ariobarzanes II, who succeeded him, and Isias, wedded to King Antiochus I Theos of Commagene.