Orophernes of Cappadocia

Orophernes of Cappadocia
Coin of Orophernes, king of Cappadocia. British Museum.

Orophernes Nicephorus (in Greek Oρoφέρνης Nικηφόρoς) was one of the two false sons whom Antiochis imposed upon her husband, Ariarathes IV, king of Cappadocia. On the birth, however, of a real son, named Mithradates (afterwards Ariarathes V), Orophernes, so that he might not set up pretensions to the throne, was sent away into Ionia. When Ariarathes V refused to marry the sister of Demetrius I Soter, king of Syria, the king supported the claims of Orophernes to the crown of Cappadocia.

In 157 BC, when Ariarathes had been deposed and had fled to Rome, Orophernes sent two ambassadors (Timotheus and Diogenes) to the capital city to join the emissaries of Demetrius in opposing his brother. According to Appian the Romans decided that the two claimants should share the throne between them.

We are told, however, that Orophernes did not hold the kingdom long, and it is alleged that his reign was signalized by a departure from the more simple customs of his ancestors and by the introduction of systematic debauchery. To supply his lavish extravagance, he oppressed and pillaged his subjects, putting many to death and confiscating their property.

He deposited 400 talents with the citizens of Priene as a resource in case of a reversal of fortune, but the Priennians later returned the money.

When Orophernes' business affairs were on the decline, he became alarmed that his soldiers might mutiny over unpaid wages so he plundered an ancient temple of Zeus to pay them off. Orophernes was forced at the end to return to Syria, where he entered into a conspiracy with the people of Antioch to dethrone Demetrius. The latter threw Orophernes into chains, but spared his life that he might still keep Ariarathes in alarm with his pretensions.[1]

Today Orophernes is mainly known for a poem written by the celebrated modern Greek poet Constantine P. Cavafy in 1915. In meditating on a tetradrachm found in Priene, the poet wrote "Orophernes," on the pretender's life and his adventures.

References

Notes

  1. ^ Diodorus Siculus, Bibliotheca, xxxi. 3; Polybius, xxxii. 25; Appian, "The Syrian Wars" 47; Livy, Periochae, xlvii; Justin, xxxv. 1

This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology by William Smith (1870).


Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Нужна курсовая?

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Ariarathes V of Cappadocia — Ariarathes V Eusebes Philopator (in Greek Aριαράθης Eυσεβής Φιλoπάτωρ; reigned 163 ndash;130 BC or 126 BC) was son of the preceding king Ariarathes IV. Previously called Mithridates, he reigned 33 years, 163 ndash;130 BC, as king of Cappadocia.… …   Wikipedia

  • Ariarathes IV of Cappadocia — Ariarathes IV Eusebes (in Greek Aριαράθης Eυσεβής; reigned 220 ndash;163 BC), son of the king of Cappadocia Ariarathes III, was a child at his accession, and reigned 220 163 BC, about 57 years.rf|1|diod 31.3 just 29.1 poly 4.2 He married… …   Wikipedia

  • List of Kings of Cappadocia — This page lists Kings of Cappadocia, an ancient Kingdom in central Anatolia.Datamid Satraps of Cappadocia, c.380 331 BCE*Datames c.380 362 BCE *Ariamnes 362 350 BCE *Ariarathes I 350 331 BCEAriarathid Kings of Cappadocia, 331 BCE 17 AD*Ariarathes …   Wikipedia

  • Diogenes of Cappadocia — Diogenes was a person sent by Orophernes, usurper of Cappadocia, together with Timotheus, as ambassador to Rome in 157 BC, to carry to Rome a golden crown, and to renew the friendship and alliance with the Roman Republic. The principal object of… …   Wikipedia

  • 157 BC — NOTOC EventsBy placeRoman Republic* The Carthaginians, prevented by their treaty with Rome from engaging in armed resistance, but equally guaranteed against any loss of territory, appeal to Rome against the depredations of King Masinissa of… …   Wikipedia

  • Mithridates VI of Pontus — Mithridates the Great redirects here. For other people, see Mithridates. Mithridates VI King of Pontus Mithridates VI from the Musée du Louvre Reign …   Wikipedia

  • Diadochi — Bust of Seleucus Nicator (victor), last of the original Diadochi standing by 281 BC The Diadochi (plural of Latin Diadochus, from Greek: Διάδοχοι, Diadokhoi, Successors ) were the rival generals, family and friends of Alexander the Great who… …   Wikipedia

  • Mithridates V of Pontus — Mithridates V Euergetes (Greek: Μιθριδάτης ὁ εὐεργέτης, which means Mithridates the benefactor ; flourished 2nd century BC, reigned 150 BC – 120 BC); also known as Mithridates V of Pontus, Mithradates V of Pontus and Mithradates V Euergetes,[1]… …   Wikipedia

  • Nicomedes III of Bithynia — Nicomedes III Euergetes (Ancient Greek: Νικομήδης Εὐεργέτης Nikomḗdēs Euergétēs) was the king of Bithynia, from c. 127 BC to c. 94 BC. He was the son and successor of Nicomedes II of Bithynia by an unnamed woman. The first wife of Nicomedes… …   Wikipedia

  • Mithridates II of Commagene — Mithridates II King of Commagene Reign 38 BC 20 BC (18 years) Predecessor Antiochus I Theos Successor Mithridates III Spouse Laodice …   Wikipedia

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”