Iotapa
Encyclopedia
Iotapa or Iotape also known as Iotapi was the name of various queens and princesses who lived in between the 2nd century BC, 1st century BC, 1st century and 2nd century. The name Iotapa or Iotape originally derives from the name Jotapa or Jotape, which was a name of Persian origin
. Iotapa or Iotape is the Greek translation of the name.
who lived at the time of Greek Ptolemaic
Princess Cleopatra Selene I (135 BC- 69 BC) and Greek King of the Seleucid Empire
Antiochus X Eusebes
who reigned 95 BC - 83 BC. Iotapa about 92 BC, sent a petition to Antiochus X about the Parthia
n War. In response Antiochus, had gone to fight in a military campaign against the Parthians.
, who was of Median, Armenian and Greek
descent. She was the daughter and one of the children born to King Artavasdes I of Media Atropatene
, while her mother was an unnamed daughter of the Commagenean Monarchs Antiochus I Theos
and Isias
. In 33 BC, she was engaged to her distant relative and Ptolemaic
Prince Alexander Helios
, son of Greek
Ptolemaic Queen Cleopatra VII of Egypt and Roman
Triumvir Mark Antony
. In 30 BC Iotapa left Alexandria
Egypt
, after Egypt was invaded by Octavian (future Roman Emperor Augustus
) and his army. Iotapa returned to her father and sometime after 30 BC, she married her maternal cousin King Mithridates III of Commagene
. Through this marriage, she became a Queen of Commagene and bore Mithridates, a son future prince and successor Antiochus III of Commagene
and two daughters, both princesses called Iotapa. Antiochus III married one sister and the other sister married the Syria
n King Sampsiceramus II of Emesa from the Royal Family of Emesa
.
, who lived between the 1st century BC and 1st century AD. She was the daughter of King Mithridates III of Commagene
and Queen Iotapa of Commagene and was of Armenian, Greek
and Medes
descent.
Iotapa was most probably born, raised and educated in Samosata
, the capital of the Kingdom of Commagene. Her brother was Antiochus III of Commagene
, whom she married. When her father died in 12 BC, her brother succeeded their father as King of Commagene.
With Iotapa’s reign with Antiochus III, she was the last independent Queen of Commagene, as her brother ruled as the last independent King of Commagene. From her marriage to her brother, she had two children: a son, prince Antiochus IV of Commagene
and a daughter, princess Iotapa.
Antiochus III died in 17, his death became unsettling for the kingdom. At the time of Antiochus’ death, Commagene was in political turmoil. The reasons for this development is unknown, however it appears at that time, their children were too young to succeed their father and there was no authority to prevent civil unrest and unite the citizens of Commagene.
From the death of Antiochus III, two factions had appeared. One faction led by noblemen wanted Commagene to be placed under the rule of the Roman Empire
and the another faction led by the citizens wanted to retain the rule of the King.
The political factions from Commagene peacefully had sent embassies to Rome
, seeking the advice and assistance of the Roman Emperor
Tiberius, to decide the future of Commagene. When the political factions addressed the Emperor of the future of Commagene, they were in line, were with the political reality of Roman rule and were prepared to live with the decision that Tiberius made. They were also prepared to live in the rule of the Roman Empire. When the political factions had sent embassies to Rome, this marked the end of the independence of Commagene.
Tiberius
decided to make Commagene a part of the Roman province
of Syria
. The decision that Tiberius made was welcomed by many citizens by Commagene, however some, particularly those who were supporters of the royal family were unhappy with this outcome. The whereabouts of Iotapa after the annexation of Commagene are unknown. Her children were raised and lived in Rome. In 38, the Roman Emperor Caligula
restored the kingdom to her children.
, who lived between the 1st century BC and 1st century AD. She was one of the daughters of King Mithridates III of Commagene
and Queen Iotapa of Commagene. Iotapa was of Armenian, Greek
and Medes
descent. She was most probably born, raised and educated in Samosata
, the capital of the Kingdom of Commagene.
Iotapa married the King Sampsiceramus II from the Royal family of Emesa
, Syria
who ruled from 14-42. Through her marriage to Sampsiceramus II, she became Queen of Emesa. Iotapa with Sampsiceramus II had four children; two daughters: Iotapa, Mamaea and two sons: Gaius Julius Azizus, Gaius Julius Sohaemus
.
who lived in the 1st century AD. She was the daughter of King Sampsiceramus II and Queen Iotapa who ruled Emesa. She was of Syria
n, Armenian, Greek
and Medes
descent. Iotapa was born and raised in Emesa (modern Homs
Syria
). Iotapa married the Herodian Prince
Aristobulus Minor
, who was of Jewish
, Nabataean
and Edom
ite ancestry. He was a grandson of King of Judea
, Herod the Great
.
This marriage for Aristobulus Minor, was a promising marriage in dynastic terms. Iotapa and Aristobulus chose to live as private citizens in the Middle East
. Iotapa and Aristobulus had a daughter called Iotapa, was born deaf and mute. Apart from their daughter, they had no further descendants.
and Medes
descent. She was the daughter of the late King Antiochus III of Commagene
and Queen Iotapa of Commagene. Her parents were full-blooded siblings who had married each other. She was the sister of later King Antiochus IV of Commagene
. Through her ancestor from Commagene, Queen Laodice VII Thea
, who was the mother of King Antiochus I Theos of Commagene
, she was a direct descendant of the monarchs from the Greek Syrian Kingdom the Seleucid Empire
.
Iotapa and her brother appeared to be very young, when their father died in 17. Roman Emperor
Tiberius
agreed with the citizens of Commagene to make their Kingdom a part of the Roman province
of Syria
. From 17 until 38, Iotapa seems that she had gain Roman citizenship
. Iotapa would have put the Latin name Julia, as a part of her name. She had lived and was raised in Rome, along with her brother. While Iotapa and Antiochus were growing up in Rome
, they were a part of the remarkable court of Antonia Minor. Antonia Minor
was a niece of the first Roman Emperor Augustus
and the youngest daughter of triumvir Mark Antony
. Antonia Minor was a very influential woman and supervised her circle of various princes and princesses. Her circle assisted in the political preservation of the Roman Empire’s borders and affairs of the client states.
The Roman Emperor Caligula
returned to her and Antiochus IV their paternal dominion in 38. In addition, the emperor even enlarged their territory with a part of Cilicia
bordering on the seacoast. Caligula also gave them one million gold pieces the whole amount of the revenues of Commagene during the twenty years that it had been under a Roman province. The reasons for providing a client kingdom with such vast resources remain unclear; it was perhaps a stroke of Caligula's well-attested eccentricity.
Iotapa had married her brother and became Roman Client Monarchs of Commagene. Iotapa and Antiochus IV had three children:
She appeared to have died, before Commagene, was annexed by Roman Emperor
Vespasian
in 72. When she died, Antiochus IV in her honor founded a town called Iotape (modern Aytap
, Turkey
). On coinage her royal title is in Greek ‘ΒΑΣΙΛΙΣΣΑ ΙΩΤΑΠΗ ΦΙΛΑΔΕΛΦΟΣ’, ‘ of Queen Iotape Philadelphus’. The title Philadelphus reveals to us that she is the sister-wife of Antiochus IV. This also shows her descent and claim to the Royal Cult that was established by her late ancestor Antiochus I.
who lived during the 1st century. She was the daughter and youngest child of King Antiochus IV of Commagene
and Queen Iotapa of Commagene, who were client monarchs who lived under the Roman Empire
. Her parents were full-blooded siblings. Iotapa’s eldest brothers were princes Gaius Julius Archelaus Antiochus Epiphanes
and Callinicus
.
She was of Armenian, Greek
and Medes
descent. Through her ancestor from Commagene, Queen Laodice VII Thea
, who was the mother of King Antiochus I Theos of Commagene
, she was a direct descendant of the Greek Syrian Kingdom the Seleucid Empire
. She was most probably born, raised and educated in Samosata
, the capital of the Kingdom of Commagene. Her mother died around 52 and her father raised her.
Iotapa’s father Antiochus IV, was an ally to the Roman Emperor
Nero
and various members of the Herodian Dynasty
. Between 58-59, there was civil unrest and warfare that occurred in the Kingdom of Armenia. Majority of Armenians had abandoned resistance and wanted peace, which included in accepting a prince to be crowned by Nero to be an Armenian King. Antiochus IV had participated in protecting Armenia with the Romans from Tiridates I of Armenia
.
Nero crowned as the new Armenian King in Rome
a Herodian prince called Gaius Julius Tigranes
. Tigranes was the son of Judean prince Alexander
. Tigranes was the grandchild of Cappadocia
n Princess Glaphyra
and prince Alexander
of Judea. His great grandparents were King Archelaus of Cappadocia
, King of Judea Herod the Great
and his wife Mariamne
.
Tigranes from his marriage had a son called Gaius Julius Alexander
. After Tigranes was crowned King in Rome, his son Alexander had married Iotapa in Rome
. The marriage between Alexander and Iotapa was mostly a political alliance that occurred between the fathers of Iotapa and Alexander. After the marriage of Iotapa and Alexander occurred in Rome, Nero crowned them Queen and King of Cetis, a small region in Cilicia
, that was previously ruled by her father. The Roman city in Cilicia Elaiussa Sebaste
was made a part of their Kingdom. Iotapa and Alexander ruled Cetis from 58 until at least 72. Iotapa was still alive when the Flavian dynasty
had ruled the Roman Empire
from 69-96. However after that, there is no more known on Iotapa.
Little is known on the marriage and reign of Alexander and Iotapa. Iotapa bore Alexander three children: two sons Gaius Julius Agrippa
, Gaius Julius Alexander Berenicianus
and a daughter Julia Iotapa (below). Their children were born and raised in Cetis. A possible descendant from their marriage was the usurper
Jotapianus
, who lived in the 3rd century
.
n Princess who lived in the 1st century and 2nd century. She was the daughter to King Gaius Julius Alexander
and Queen Julia Iotapa of Cetis. Her eldest brothers were Gaius Julius Agrippa
and Gaius Julius Alexander Berenicianus
.
Surviving inscriptions on her family reveal that her family were related to important members of Asian, non-Jewish and Jewish aristocracy. She was of Jewish
, Nabataean
, Edom
ite, Greek
, Armenian, Medes
and Persian origins
. Her paternal grandparents were King Tigranes VI of Armenia
and his wife Opgalli. Through Tigranes, she was a descendant of King Archelaus of Cappadocia
, King of Judea Herod the Great
and his wife Mariamne
. Iotapa along with her family and paternal relatives were among the last known descendants of the Herodian Dynasty
. She was an apostate
to Judaism
. It is unlikely that Iotapa attempted to exert influence on Judean Politics. Her maternal grandparents were King Antiochus IV of Commagene
and Queen Julia Iotapa.
The Kingdom of Cetis was a small client state in the Roman Empire
. Cetis was a small region in Cilicia
that was previously ruled by her Cappadocia
n royal ancestors and Antiochus IV. The city in Cilicia Elaiussa Sebaste
was a part of the Kingdom. When her parents married in Rome
in 58, then Roman Emperor
Nero
crowned his parents as monarchs and gave them that region to rule. She was born, raised and educated in Cetis.
Iotapa married the Galatia
n Roman Senator
from Anatolia
, Gaius Julius Quadratus Bassus
. Iotapa bore Bassus a daughter called Julia Quadratilla (b. ca 100). She married to Gaius Julius Lupus Titus Vibius Varus Laevillus (ca 95 - aft. 132), Quaestor
in Asia in 132.
Quadratilla and Laevillus had:
A possible descendant of Iotapa and Bassus could be the usurper
Jotapianus
, who lived in the 3rd century
.
Persian people
The Persian people are part of the Iranian peoples who speak the modern Persian language and closely akin Iranian dialects and languages. The origin of the ethnic Iranian/Persian peoples are traced to the Ancient Iranian peoples, who were part of the ancient Indo-Iranians and themselves part of...
. Iotapa or Iotape is the Greek translation of the name.
A Contemporary Queen to Cleopatra Selene I
Iotapa was a Queen of the an unknown Kingdom in AsiaAsia
Asia is the world's largest and most populous continent, located primarily in the eastern and northern hemispheres. It covers 8.7% of the Earth's total surface area and with approximately 3.879 billion people, it hosts 60% of the world's current human population...
who lived at the time of Greek Ptolemaic
Ptolemy I Soter
Ptolemy I Soter I , also known as Ptolemy Lagides, c. 367 BC – c. 283 BC, was a Macedonian general under Alexander the Great, who became ruler of Egypt and founder of both the Ptolemaic Kingdom and the Ptolemaic Dynasty...
Princess Cleopatra Selene I (135 BC- 69 BC) and Greek King of the Seleucid Empire
Seleucid Empire
The Seleucid Empire was a Greek-Macedonian state that was created out of the eastern conquests of Alexander the Great. At the height of its power, it included central Anatolia, the Levant, Mesopotamia, Persia, today's Turkmenistan, Pamir and parts of Pakistan.The Seleucid Empire was a major centre...
Antiochus X Eusebes
Antiochus X Eusebes
Antiochus X Eusebes Philopator, ruler of the Greek Seleucid kingdom, was a contestant in the tangled-up family feuds among the last Seleucids. Beginning his reign in 95 BC his first achievement was to defeat his double half-cousin/second cousin Seleucus VI Epiphanes, thus avenging the recent death...
who reigned 95 BC - 83 BC. Iotapa about 92 BC, sent a petition to Antiochus X about the Parthia
Parthia
Parthia is a region of north-eastern Iran, best known for having been the political and cultural base of the Arsacid dynasty, rulers of the Parthian Empire....
n War. In response Antiochus, had gone to fight in a military campaign against the Parthians.
Daughter of King Artavasdes I of Media
Iotapa (43 BC-?) was a princess of MediaMedes
The MedesThe Medes...
, who was of Median, Armenian and Greek
Greeks
The Greeks, also known as the Hellenes , are a nation and ethnic group native to Greece, Cyprus and neighboring regions. They also form a significant diaspora, with Greek communities established around the world....
descent. She was the daughter and one of the children born to King Artavasdes I of Media Atropatene
Artavasdes I of Media Atropatene
Artavasdes I was a king of Media Atropatene. As an enemy of Artavasdes II of Armenia and his son Artaxias II, Artavasdes I was mentioned in diplomatic affairs of Cleopatra VII of Egypt and Mark Anthony.- Biography :...
, while her mother was an unnamed daughter of the Commagenean Monarchs Antiochus I Theos
Antiochus I Theos of Commagene
Antiochus I Theos Dikaios Epiphanes Philorhomaios Philhellenos Antiochus I Theos Dikaios Epiphanes Philorhomaios Philhellenos Antiochus I Theos Dikaios Epiphanes Philorhomaios Philhellenos (Greek: о Αντίοχος Θεός Δίκαιος Επιφανής Φιλορωμαίος Φιλέλλην, meaning Antiochos, a just, eminent god, friend...
and Isias
Isias
Isias, surnamed Philostorgos or Philostorgus was a Princess of Cappadocia who lived in the 1st century BC. Through her marriage to King Antiochus I Theos of Commagene, she became the Queen of Commagene. Very little is known on her. She was half Persian and half Greek...
. In 33 BC, she was engaged to her distant relative and Ptolemaic
Ptolemy I Soter
Ptolemy I Soter I , also known as Ptolemy Lagides, c. 367 BC – c. 283 BC, was a Macedonian general under Alexander the Great, who became ruler of Egypt and founder of both the Ptolemaic Kingdom and the Ptolemaic Dynasty...
Prince Alexander Helios
Alexander Helios
Alexander Helios was a Ptolemaic prince and was the eldest son of Greek Ptolemaic queen Cleopatra VII of Egypt and Roman triumvir Mark Antony. His twin was Cleopatra Selene II. He was of Greek and Roman heritage. Cleopatra named him Alexander in honour of her Macedonian heritage, and after her...
, son of Greek
Greeks
The Greeks, also known as the Hellenes , are a nation and ethnic group native to Greece, Cyprus and neighboring regions. They also form a significant diaspora, with Greek communities established around the world....
Ptolemaic Queen Cleopatra VII of Egypt and Roman
Roman Republic
The Roman Republic was the period of the ancient Roman civilization where the government operated as a republic. It began with the overthrow of the Roman monarchy, traditionally dated around 508 BC, and its replacement by a government headed by two consuls, elected annually by the citizens and...
Triumvir Mark Antony
Mark Antony
Marcus Antonius , known in English as Mark Antony, was a Roman politician and general. As a military commander and administrator, he was an important supporter and loyal friend of his mother's cousin Julius Caesar...
. In 30 BC Iotapa left Alexandria
Alexandria
Alexandria is the second-largest city of Egypt, with a population of 4.1 million, extending about along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea in the north central part of the country; it is also the largest city lying directly on the Mediterranean coast. It is Egypt's largest seaport, serving...
Egypt
Egypt
Egypt , officially the Arab Republic of Egypt, Arabic: , is a country mainly in North Africa, with the Sinai Peninsula forming a land bridge in Southwest Asia. Egypt is thus a transcontinental country, and a major power in Africa, the Mediterranean Basin, the Middle East and the Muslim world...
, after Egypt was invaded by Octavian (future Roman Emperor Augustus
Augustus
Augustus ;23 September 63 BC – 19 August AD 14) is considered the first emperor of the Roman Empire, which he ruled alone from 27 BC until his death in 14 AD.The dates of his rule are contemporary dates; Augustus lived under two calendars, the Roman Republican until 45 BC, and the Julian...
) and his army. Iotapa returned to her father and sometime after 30 BC, she married her maternal cousin King Mithridates III of Commagene
Mithridates III of Commagene
Mithridates III Antiochus Epiphanes was a King. The son and successor of King Mithridates II of Commagene and Queen Laodice, he was of Armenian and Greek descent....
. Through this marriage, she became a Queen of Commagene and bore Mithridates, a son future prince and successor Antiochus III of Commagene
Antiochus III of Commagene
Antiochus III Epiphanes was the ruler of the Kingdom of Commagene from 12 BC to 17 AD. He was the son and successor of King Mithridates III of Commagene and Princess of Media and Queen of Commagene, Iotapa, and of mixed Armenian, Greek and Median descent. His parents were first cousins.When...
and two daughters, both princesses called Iotapa. Antiochus III married one sister and the other sister married the Syria
Syria
Syria , officially the Syrian Arab Republic , is a country in Western Asia, bordering Lebanon and the Mediterranean Sea to the West, Turkey to the north, Iraq to the east, Jordan to the south, and Israel to the southwest....
n King Sampsiceramus II of Emesa from the Royal Family of Emesa
Royal Family of Emesa
The royal family of Emesa, also known as the Emesani Dynasty or the Sempsigerami of Emesa , sometimes known as The Sampsiceramids were a ruling Roman client dynasty of priest-kings in Emesa, Syria Province...
.
Daughter of King Mithridates III of Commagene
Iotapa was a princess from the Kingdom of CommageneKingdom of Commagene
The Kingdom of Commagene was an ancient kingdom of the Hellenistic Age.Little is known of the region of Commagene prior to the beginning of the 2nd century BC. However, it seems that, from what little evidence remains, Commagene formed part of a larger state that also included Sophene...
, who lived between the 1st century BC and 1st century AD. She was the daughter of King Mithridates III of Commagene
Mithridates III of Commagene
Mithridates III Antiochus Epiphanes was a King. The son and successor of King Mithridates II of Commagene and Queen Laodice, he was of Armenian and Greek descent....
and Queen Iotapa of Commagene and was of Armenian, Greek
Greeks
The Greeks, also known as the Hellenes , are a nation and ethnic group native to Greece, Cyprus and neighboring regions. They also form a significant diaspora, with Greek communities established around the world....
and Medes
Medes
The MedesThe Medes...
descent.
Iotapa was most probably born, raised and educated in Samosata
Samosata
Samosata was an ancient city on the right bank of the Euphrates whose ruins existed at the modern city of Samsat, Adıyaman Province, Turkey until the site was flooded by the newly-constructed Atatürk Dam....
, the capital of the Kingdom of Commagene. Her brother was Antiochus III of Commagene
Antiochus III of Commagene
Antiochus III Epiphanes was the ruler of the Kingdom of Commagene from 12 BC to 17 AD. He was the son and successor of King Mithridates III of Commagene and Princess of Media and Queen of Commagene, Iotapa, and of mixed Armenian, Greek and Median descent. His parents were first cousins.When...
, whom she married. When her father died in 12 BC, her brother succeeded their father as King of Commagene.
With Iotapa’s reign with Antiochus III, she was the last independent Queen of Commagene, as her brother ruled as the last independent King of Commagene. From her marriage to her brother, she had two children: a son, prince Antiochus IV of Commagene
Antiochus IV of Commagene
Gaius Julius Antiochus IV Epiphanes , the last king of Commagene, reigned between 38-72 as a client king to the Roman Empire.-Life:Antiochus was a prince and son of Antiochus III of Commagene and his mother was Queen Iotapa of Commagene. The parents of Antiochus IV were full-blooded siblings, who...
and a daughter, princess Iotapa.
Antiochus III died in 17, his death became unsettling for the kingdom. At the time of Antiochus’ death, Commagene was in political turmoil. The reasons for this development is unknown, however it appears at that time, their children were too young to succeed their father and there was no authority to prevent civil unrest and unite the citizens of Commagene.
From the death of Antiochus III, two factions had appeared. One faction led by noblemen wanted Commagene to be placed under the rule of the Roman Empire
Roman Empire
The Roman Empire was the post-Republican period of the ancient Roman civilization, characterised by an autocratic form of government and large territorial holdings in Europe and around the Mediterranean....
and the another faction led by the citizens wanted to retain the rule of the King.
The political factions from Commagene peacefully had sent embassies to Rome
Rome
Rome is the capital of Italy and the country's largest and most populated city and comune, with over 2.7 million residents in . The city is located in the central-western portion of the Italian Peninsula, on the Tiber River within the Lazio region of Italy.Rome's history spans two and a half...
, seeking the advice and assistance of the Roman Emperor
Roman Emperor
The Roman emperor was the ruler of the Roman State during the imperial period . The Romans had no single term for the office although at any given time, a given title was associated with the emperor...
Tiberius, to decide the future of Commagene. When the political factions addressed the Emperor of the future of Commagene, they were in line, were with the political reality of Roman rule and were prepared to live with the decision that Tiberius made. They were also prepared to live in the rule of the Roman Empire. When the political factions had sent embassies to Rome, this marked the end of the independence of Commagene.
Tiberius
Tiberius
Tiberius , was Roman Emperor from 14 AD to 37 AD. Tiberius was by birth a Claudian, son of Tiberius Claudius Nero and Livia Drusilla. His mother divorced Nero and married Augustus in 39 BC, making him a step-son of Octavian...
decided to make Commagene a part of the Roman province
Roman province
In Ancient Rome, a province was the basic, and, until the Tetrarchy , largest territorial and administrative unit of the empire's territorial possessions outside of Italy...
of Syria
Syria
Syria , officially the Syrian Arab Republic , is a country in Western Asia, bordering Lebanon and the Mediterranean Sea to the West, Turkey to the north, Iraq to the east, Jordan to the south, and Israel to the southwest....
. The decision that Tiberius made was welcomed by many citizens by Commagene, however some, particularly those who were supporters of the royal family were unhappy with this outcome. The whereabouts of Iotapa after the annexation of Commagene are unknown. Her children were raised and lived in Rome. In 38, the Roman Emperor Caligula
Caligula
Caligula , also known as Gaius, was Roman Emperor from 37 AD to 41 AD. Caligula was a member of the house of rulers conventionally known as the Julio-Claudian dynasty. Caligula's father Germanicus, the nephew and adopted son of Emperor Tiberius, was a very successful general and one of Rome's most...
restored the kingdom to her children.
Sources
- Mavors.org - Commagene
- TacitusTacitusPublius Cornelius Tacitus was a senator and a historian of the Roman Empire. The surviving portions of his two major works—the Annals and the Histories—examine the reigns of the Roman Emperors Tiberius, Claudius, Nero and those who reigned in the Year of the Four Emperors...
- Annals of Imperial Rome, Part One: Tiberius, Chapter 4, First Treason Trials
Wife of King Sampsiceramus II of Emesa
Iotapa was a princess from the Kingdom of CommageneKingdom of Commagene
The Kingdom of Commagene was an ancient kingdom of the Hellenistic Age.Little is known of the region of Commagene prior to the beginning of the 2nd century BC. However, it seems that, from what little evidence remains, Commagene formed part of a larger state that also included Sophene...
, who lived between the 1st century BC and 1st century AD. She was one of the daughters of King Mithridates III of Commagene
Mithridates III of Commagene
Mithridates III Antiochus Epiphanes was a King. The son and successor of King Mithridates II of Commagene and Queen Laodice, he was of Armenian and Greek descent....
and Queen Iotapa of Commagene. Iotapa was of Armenian, Greek
Greeks
The Greeks, also known as the Hellenes , are a nation and ethnic group native to Greece, Cyprus and neighboring regions. They also form a significant diaspora, with Greek communities established around the world....
and Medes
Medes
The MedesThe Medes...
descent. She was most probably born, raised and educated in Samosata
Samosata
Samosata was an ancient city on the right bank of the Euphrates whose ruins existed at the modern city of Samsat, Adıyaman Province, Turkey until the site was flooded by the newly-constructed Atatürk Dam....
, the capital of the Kingdom of Commagene.
Iotapa married the King Sampsiceramus II from the Royal family of Emesa
Royal family of Emesa
The royal family of Emesa, also known as the Emesani Dynasty or the Sempsigerami of Emesa , sometimes known as The Sampsiceramids were a ruling Roman client dynasty of priest-kings in Emesa, Syria Province...
, Syria
Syria
Syria , officially the Syrian Arab Republic , is a country in Western Asia, bordering Lebanon and the Mediterranean Sea to the West, Turkey to the north, Iraq to the east, Jordan to the south, and Israel to the southwest....
who ruled from 14-42. Through her marriage to Sampsiceramus II, she became Queen of Emesa. Iotapa with Sampsiceramus II had four children; two daughters: Iotapa, Mamaea and two sons: Gaius Julius Azizus, Gaius Julius Sohaemus
Sohaemus of Emesa
Gaius Julius Sohaemus, also known as Sohaemus of Emesa and Sohaemus of Sophene , was a prince and a Roman Client Priest King from Syria who lived in the 1st century....
.
Sources
- Royal Egyptian Genealogy: Ptolemaic Descendants
- Levick , Barbara (2007). Julia Domna, Syrian Empress, Taylor & Francis
Daughter of King Sampsiceramus II of Emesa
Iotapa was a Syrian Princess from the Royal family of EmesaRoyal family of Emesa
The royal family of Emesa, also known as the Emesani Dynasty or the Sempsigerami of Emesa , sometimes known as The Sampsiceramids were a ruling Roman client dynasty of priest-kings in Emesa, Syria Province...
who lived in the 1st century AD. She was the daughter of King Sampsiceramus II and Queen Iotapa who ruled Emesa. She was of Syria
Syria
Syria , officially the Syrian Arab Republic , is a country in Western Asia, bordering Lebanon and the Mediterranean Sea to the West, Turkey to the north, Iraq to the east, Jordan to the south, and Israel to the southwest....
n, Armenian, Greek
Greeks
The Greeks, also known as the Hellenes , are a nation and ethnic group native to Greece, Cyprus and neighboring regions. They also form a significant diaspora, with Greek communities established around the world....
and Medes
Medes
The MedesThe Medes...
descent. Iotapa was born and raised in Emesa (modern Homs
Homs
Homs , previously known as Emesa , is a city in western Syria and the capital of the Homs Governorate. It is above sea level and is located north of Damascus...
Syria
Syria
Syria , officially the Syrian Arab Republic , is a country in Western Asia, bordering Lebanon and the Mediterranean Sea to the West, Turkey to the north, Iraq to the east, Jordan to the south, and Israel to the southwest....
). Iotapa married the Herodian Prince
Herodian Dynasty
The Herodian Dynasty was a Jewish dynasty of Idumean descent, client Kings of Roman Judaea Province between 37 BCE and 92 CE.- Origin :During the time of the Hasmonean ruler John Hyrcanus 134-104 BCE, Israel conquered Edom and forced the Edomites to convert to Judaism.The Edomites were integrated...
Aristobulus Minor
Aristobulus Minor
Aristobulus Minor or Aristobulus the Younger was a prince from the Herodian Dynasty. He was of Jewish, Nabataean and Edomite ancestry....
, who was of Jewish
Jews
The Jews , also known as the Jewish people, are a nation and ethnoreligious group originating in the Israelites or Hebrews of the Ancient Near East. The Jewish ethnicity, nationality, and religion are strongly interrelated, as Judaism is the traditional faith of the Jewish nation...
, Nabataean
Nabataeans
Thamudi3.jpgThe Nabataeans, also Nabateans , were ancient peoples of southern Canaan and the northern part of Arabia, whose oasis settlements in the time of Josephus , gave the name of Nabatene to the borderland between Syria and Arabia, from the Euphrates to the Red Sea...
and Edom
Edom
Edom or Idumea was a historical region of the Southern Levant located south of Judea and the Dead Sea. It is mentioned in biblical records as a 1st millennium BC Iron Age kingdom of Edom, and in classical antiquity the cognate name Idumea was used to refer to a smaller area in the same region...
ite ancestry. He was a grandson of King of Judea
Judea
Judea or Judæa was the name of the mountainous southern part of the historic Land of Israel from the 8th century BCE to the 2nd century CE, when Roman Judea was renamed Syria Palaestina following the Jewish Bar Kokhba revolt.-Etymology:The...
, Herod the Great
Herod the Great
Herod , also known as Herod the Great , was a Roman client king of Judea. His epithet of "the Great" is widely disputed as he is described as "a madman who murdered his own family and a great many rabbis." He is also known for his colossal building projects in Jerusalem and elsewhere, including his...
.
This marriage for Aristobulus Minor, was a promising marriage in dynastic terms. Iotapa and Aristobulus chose to live as private citizens in the Middle East
Middle East
The Middle East is a region that encompasses Western Asia and Northern Africa. It is often used as a synonym for Near East, in opposition to Far East...
. Iotapa and Aristobulus had a daughter called Iotapa, was born deaf and mute. Apart from their daughter, they had no further descendants.
Sources
Daughter of King Antiochus III of Commagene
Julia Iotapa (before 17-around 52) was a princess of Commagene who lived in the 1st century AD. She was of Armenian, GreekGreeks
The Greeks, also known as the Hellenes , are a nation and ethnic group native to Greece, Cyprus and neighboring regions. They also form a significant diaspora, with Greek communities established around the world....
and Medes
Medes
The MedesThe Medes...
descent. She was the daughter of the late King Antiochus III of Commagene
Antiochus III of Commagene
Antiochus III Epiphanes was the ruler of the Kingdom of Commagene from 12 BC to 17 AD. He was the son and successor of King Mithridates III of Commagene and Princess of Media and Queen of Commagene, Iotapa, and of mixed Armenian, Greek and Median descent. His parents were first cousins.When...
and Queen Iotapa of Commagene. Her parents were full-blooded siblings who had married each other. She was the sister of later King Antiochus IV of Commagene
Antiochus IV of Commagene
Gaius Julius Antiochus IV Epiphanes , the last king of Commagene, reigned between 38-72 as a client king to the Roman Empire.-Life:Antiochus was a prince and son of Antiochus III of Commagene and his mother was Queen Iotapa of Commagene. The parents of Antiochus IV were full-blooded siblings, who...
. Through her ancestor from Commagene, Queen Laodice VII Thea
Laodice VII Thea
Laodice VII Thea Philadelphus , was a Greek–Syrian princess of the Seleucid Empire and future queen of Commagene. She was the daughter of Greek–Syrian King Antiochus VIII Grypus and Greek Ptolemaic Princess Cleopatra Tryphaena a daughter of Ptolemy VIII Physcon.Laodice married Mithridates I...
, who was the mother of King Antiochus I Theos of Commagene
Antiochus I Theos of Commagene
Antiochus I Theos Dikaios Epiphanes Philorhomaios Philhellenos Antiochus I Theos Dikaios Epiphanes Philorhomaios Philhellenos Antiochus I Theos Dikaios Epiphanes Philorhomaios Philhellenos (Greek: о Αντίοχος Θεός Δίκαιος Επιφανής Φιλορωμαίος Φιλέλλην, meaning Antiochos, a just, eminent god, friend...
, she was a direct descendant of the monarchs from the Greek Syrian Kingdom the Seleucid Empire
Seleucid Empire
The Seleucid Empire was a Greek-Macedonian state that was created out of the eastern conquests of Alexander the Great. At the height of its power, it included central Anatolia, the Levant, Mesopotamia, Persia, today's Turkmenistan, Pamir and parts of Pakistan.The Seleucid Empire was a major centre...
.
Iotapa and her brother appeared to be very young, when their father died in 17. Roman Emperor
Roman Emperor
The Roman emperor was the ruler of the Roman State during the imperial period . The Romans had no single term for the office although at any given time, a given title was associated with the emperor...
Tiberius
Tiberius
Tiberius , was Roman Emperor from 14 AD to 37 AD. Tiberius was by birth a Claudian, son of Tiberius Claudius Nero and Livia Drusilla. His mother divorced Nero and married Augustus in 39 BC, making him a step-son of Octavian...
agreed with the citizens of Commagene to make their Kingdom a part of the Roman province
Roman province
In Ancient Rome, a province was the basic, and, until the Tetrarchy , largest territorial and administrative unit of the empire's territorial possessions outside of Italy...
of Syria
Syria
Syria , officially the Syrian Arab Republic , is a country in Western Asia, bordering Lebanon and the Mediterranean Sea to the West, Turkey to the north, Iraq to the east, Jordan to the south, and Israel to the southwest....
. From 17 until 38, Iotapa seems that she had gain Roman citizenship
Roman citizenship
Citizenship in ancient Rome was a privileged political and legal status afforded to certain free-born individuals with respect to laws, property, and governance....
. Iotapa would have put the Latin name Julia, as a part of her name. She had lived and was raised in Rome, along with her brother. While Iotapa and Antiochus were growing up in Rome
Rome
Rome is the capital of Italy and the country's largest and most populated city and comune, with over 2.7 million residents in . The city is located in the central-western portion of the Italian Peninsula, on the Tiber River within the Lazio region of Italy.Rome's history spans two and a half...
, they were a part of the remarkable court of Antonia Minor. Antonia Minor
Antonia Minor
Antonia Minor , also known as Antonia the Younger or simply Antonia was the younger of two daughters of Roman politician Mark Antony and Octavia Minor. Tacitus Ann. 4.44.2 and 12.54.2 may have confused the two Antonia sisters...
was a niece of the first Roman Emperor Augustus
Augustus
Augustus ;23 September 63 BC – 19 August AD 14) is considered the first emperor of the Roman Empire, which he ruled alone from 27 BC until his death in 14 AD.The dates of his rule are contemporary dates; Augustus lived under two calendars, the Roman Republican until 45 BC, and the Julian...
and the youngest daughter of triumvir Mark Antony
Mark Antony
Marcus Antonius , known in English as Mark Antony, was a Roman politician and general. As a military commander and administrator, he was an important supporter and loyal friend of his mother's cousin Julius Caesar...
. Antonia Minor was a very influential woman and supervised her circle of various princes and princesses. Her circle assisted in the political preservation of the Roman Empire’s borders and affairs of the client states.
The Roman Emperor Caligula
Caligula
Caligula , also known as Gaius, was Roman Emperor from 37 AD to 41 AD. Caligula was a member of the house of rulers conventionally known as the Julio-Claudian dynasty. Caligula's father Germanicus, the nephew and adopted son of Emperor Tiberius, was a very successful general and one of Rome's most...
returned to her and Antiochus IV their paternal dominion in 38. In addition, the emperor even enlarged their territory with a part of Cilicia
Cilicia
In antiquity, Cilicia was the south coastal region of Asia Minor, south of the central Anatolian plateau. It existed as a political entity from Hittite times into the Byzantine empire...
bordering on the seacoast. Caligula also gave them one million gold pieces the whole amount of the revenues of Commagene during the twenty years that it had been under a Roman province. The reasons for providing a client kingdom with such vast resources remain unclear; it was perhaps a stroke of Caligula's well-attested eccentricity.
Iotapa had married her brother and became Roman Client Monarchs of Commagene. Iotapa and Antiochus IV had three children:
- Son and prince: Gaius Julius Archelaus Antiochus EpiphanesGaius Julius Archelaus Antiochus EpiphanesGaius Julius Archelaus Antiochus Epiphanes, also known as Julius Archelaus Epiphanes; Epiphanes; Gaius Julius Antiochus Epiphanes or simply known as Gaius was an influential prince of the Kingdom of Commagene, who lived in the 1st century.Epiphanes was the first-born son and child to King...
. Through him they would become paternal grandparents to PhilopapposPhilopapposGaius Julius Antiochus Epiphanes Philopappos or Philopappus, was a Prince of the Kingdom of Commagene who lived in the Roman Empire during the 1st century and 2nd century. He was one of the most prominent Greeks who lived in the Roman Empire....
who was a prominent citizen of AthensAthensAthens , is the capital and largest city of Greece. Athens dominates the Attica region and is one of the world's oldest cities, as its recorded history spans around 3,400 years. Classical Athens was a powerful city-state...
and poet Julia BalbillaJulia BalbillaJulia Balbilla was a noble Roman woman and a poet who lived between the 1st century and 2nd century in the Roman Empire.-Family & Early Life:...
. - Son and prince: CallinicusCallinicus (Prince of Commagene)Callinicus was a prince of the Kingdom of Commagene, who lived in the 1st century. Callinicus was the second-born son and child to King Antiochus IV of Commagene and Queen Iotapa of Commagene. His parents were full-blooded siblings. His parents were Roman Client Monarchs of Commagene that lived...
- Daughter and princess: Iotapa (see below)
She appeared to have died, before Commagene, was annexed by Roman Emperor
Roman Emperor
The Roman emperor was the ruler of the Roman State during the imperial period . The Romans had no single term for the office although at any given time, a given title was associated with the emperor...
Vespasian
Vespasian
Vespasian , was Roman Emperor from 69 AD to 79 AD. Vespasian was the founder of the Flavian dynasty, which ruled the Empire for a quarter century. Vespasian was descended from a family of equestrians, who rose into the senatorial rank under the Emperors of the Julio-Claudian dynasty...
in 72. When she died, Antiochus IV in her honor founded a town called Iotape (modern Aytap
Aytap
Aytap is a historical port city that is 30 km-33 km, east of Alanya, located in the Mediterranean Region, Turkey. Along with Alanya, Aytap is situated in the district of the Antalya Province. Where Aytap is situated there is a long modern road that stretches along the coast between Alanya and...
, Turkey
Turkey
Turkey , known officially as the Republic of Turkey , is a Eurasian country located in Western Asia and in East Thrace in Southeastern Europe...
). On coinage her royal title is in Greek ‘ΒΑΣΙΛΙΣΣΑ ΙΩΤΑΠΗ ΦΙΛΑΔΕΛΦΟΣ’, ‘ of Queen Iotape Philadelphus’. The title Philadelphus reveals to us that she is the sister-wife of Antiochus IV. This also shows her descent and claim to the Royal Cult that was established by her late ancestor Antiochus I.
External Link
Sources
- Cassius Dio, lix. 8
- SuetoniusSuetoniusGaius Suetonius Tranquillus, commonly known as Suetonius , was a Roman historian belonging to the equestrian order in the early Imperial era....
, Caligula, 16 - Mavors.org - Commagene
- Smith, Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology, page 194
- Smith, Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology, page 614
- The Building Program of Herod the Great, By Duane W. Roller, Published by University of California Press 1998, ISBN 0520209346
- Chahin, Mark (2001). The Kingdom of Armenia. Routlege, pp. 190–191. ISBN 0700714529
Daughter of King Antiochus IV of Commagene
Julia Iotapa or Julia Iotape (around 45-?) was a princess of the Kingdom of CommageneKingdom of Commagene
The Kingdom of Commagene was an ancient kingdom of the Hellenistic Age.Little is known of the region of Commagene prior to the beginning of the 2nd century BC. However, it seems that, from what little evidence remains, Commagene formed part of a larger state that also included Sophene...
who lived during the 1st century. She was the daughter and youngest child of King Antiochus IV of Commagene
Antiochus IV of Commagene
Gaius Julius Antiochus IV Epiphanes , the last king of Commagene, reigned between 38-72 as a client king to the Roman Empire.-Life:Antiochus was a prince and son of Antiochus III of Commagene and his mother was Queen Iotapa of Commagene. The parents of Antiochus IV were full-blooded siblings, who...
and Queen Iotapa of Commagene, who were client monarchs who lived under the Roman Empire
Roman Empire
The Roman Empire was the post-Republican period of the ancient Roman civilization, characterised by an autocratic form of government and large territorial holdings in Europe and around the Mediterranean....
. Her parents were full-blooded siblings. Iotapa’s eldest brothers were princes Gaius Julius Archelaus Antiochus Epiphanes
Gaius Julius Archelaus Antiochus Epiphanes
Gaius Julius Archelaus Antiochus Epiphanes, also known as Julius Archelaus Epiphanes; Epiphanes; Gaius Julius Antiochus Epiphanes or simply known as Gaius was an influential prince of the Kingdom of Commagene, who lived in the 1st century.Epiphanes was the first-born son and child to King...
and Callinicus
Callinicus (Prince of Commagene)
Callinicus was a prince of the Kingdom of Commagene, who lived in the 1st century. Callinicus was the second-born son and child to King Antiochus IV of Commagene and Queen Iotapa of Commagene. His parents were full-blooded siblings. His parents were Roman Client Monarchs of Commagene that lived...
.
She was of Armenian, Greek
Greeks
The Greeks, also known as the Hellenes , are a nation and ethnic group native to Greece, Cyprus and neighboring regions. They also form a significant diaspora, with Greek communities established around the world....
and Medes
Medes
The MedesThe Medes...
descent. Through her ancestor from Commagene, Queen Laodice VII Thea
Laodice VII Thea
Laodice VII Thea Philadelphus , was a Greek–Syrian princess of the Seleucid Empire and future queen of Commagene. She was the daughter of Greek–Syrian King Antiochus VIII Grypus and Greek Ptolemaic Princess Cleopatra Tryphaena a daughter of Ptolemy VIII Physcon.Laodice married Mithridates I...
, who was the mother of King Antiochus I Theos of Commagene
Antiochus I Theos of Commagene
Antiochus I Theos Dikaios Epiphanes Philorhomaios Philhellenos Antiochus I Theos Dikaios Epiphanes Philorhomaios Philhellenos Antiochus I Theos Dikaios Epiphanes Philorhomaios Philhellenos (Greek: о Αντίοχος Θεός Δίκαιος Επιφανής Φιλορωμαίος Φιλέλλην, meaning Antiochos, a just, eminent god, friend...
, she was a direct descendant of the Greek Syrian Kingdom the Seleucid Empire
Seleucid Empire
The Seleucid Empire was a Greek-Macedonian state that was created out of the eastern conquests of Alexander the Great. At the height of its power, it included central Anatolia, the Levant, Mesopotamia, Persia, today's Turkmenistan, Pamir and parts of Pakistan.The Seleucid Empire was a major centre...
. She was most probably born, raised and educated in Samosata
Samosata
Samosata was an ancient city on the right bank of the Euphrates whose ruins existed at the modern city of Samsat, Adıyaman Province, Turkey until the site was flooded by the newly-constructed Atatürk Dam....
, the capital of the Kingdom of Commagene. Her mother died around 52 and her father raised her.
Iotapa’s father Antiochus IV, was an ally to the Roman Emperor
Roman Emperor
The Roman emperor was the ruler of the Roman State during the imperial period . The Romans had no single term for the office although at any given time, a given title was associated with the emperor...
Nero
Nero
Nero , was Roman Emperor from 54 to 68, and the last in the Julio-Claudian dynasty. Nero was adopted by his great-uncle Claudius to become his heir and successor, and succeeded to the throne in 54 following Claudius' death....
and various members of the Herodian Dynasty
Herodian Dynasty
The Herodian Dynasty was a Jewish dynasty of Idumean descent, client Kings of Roman Judaea Province between 37 BCE and 92 CE.- Origin :During the time of the Hasmonean ruler John Hyrcanus 134-104 BCE, Israel conquered Edom and forced the Edomites to convert to Judaism.The Edomites were integrated...
. Between 58-59, there was civil unrest and warfare that occurred in the Kingdom of Armenia. Majority of Armenians had abandoned resistance and wanted peace, which included in accepting a prince to be crowned by Nero to be an Armenian King. Antiochus IV had participated in protecting Armenia with the Romans from Tiridates I of Armenia
Tiridates I of Armenia
Tiridates I was King of Armenia beginning in AD 53 and the founder of the Arshakuni Dynasty, the Armenian line of the Arsacid Dynasty. The dates of his birth and death are unknown. His early reign was marked by a brief interruption towards the end of the year 54 and a much longer one from 58...
.
Nero crowned as the new Armenian King in Rome
Rome
Rome is the capital of Italy and the country's largest and most populated city and comune, with over 2.7 million residents in . The city is located in the central-western portion of the Italian Peninsula, on the Tiber River within the Lazio region of Italy.Rome's history spans two and a half...
a Herodian prince called Gaius Julius Tigranes
Tigranes VI of Armenia
Tigranes VI, also known as Tigran VI or by his Roman name Gaius Julius Tigranes was a Herodian Prince and served as a Roman Client King of Armenia in the 1st century....
. Tigranes was the son of Judean prince Alexander
Alexander (grandson of Herod the Great)
Alexander, also known by his Roman name Gaius Julius Alexander was a Herodian Prince.Alexander was the second born son of Alexander and Glaphyra. His oldest brother was called Tigranes and had a younger unnamed sister. His father Alexander was a Judean Prince, of Jewish, Nabataean and Edomite...
. Tigranes was the grandchild of Cappadocia
Cappadocia
Cappadocia is a historical region in Central Anatolia, largely in Nevşehir Province.In the time of Herodotus, the Cappadocians were reported as occupying the whole region from Mount Taurus to the vicinity of the Euxine...
n Princess Glaphyra
Glaphyra
Glaphyra was an Anatolian Princess from Cappadocia and through marriage was related to the Herodian Dynasty. -Family and early life:Glaphyra was a royal princess of Greek, Armenian and Persian descent. Her father was the Roman ally king Archelaus of Cappadocia, her only natural sibling was her...
and prince Alexander
Alexander, son of Herod
Alexander, son of Herod was born about 35 BC; died about 7 BC. His mother was the Hasmonean princess Mariamne.The unfortunate fate which persistently pursued the Hasmonean house overtook this prince also. As heir presumptive to the throne by right of descent on his mother's side, he was sent to...
of Judea. His great grandparents were King Archelaus of Cappadocia
Archelaus of Cappadocia
-Family & Early Life:Archelaus was a Cappadocian Greek nobleman, possibly of Macedonian descent. His full name was Archelaus Sisines. He was the first born son, namesake of the Roman Client and High Priest Ruler Archelaus, of the temple state of Comana, Cappadocia and Glaphyra. Archelaus’ father...
, King of Judea Herod the Great
Herod the Great
Herod , also known as Herod the Great , was a Roman client king of Judea. His epithet of "the Great" is widely disputed as he is described as "a madman who murdered his own family and a great many rabbis." He is also known for his colossal building projects in Jerusalem and elsewhere, including his...
and his wife Mariamne
Mariamne (second wife of Herod)
Mariamne I, also called Mariamne the Hasmonean was the second wife of Herod the Great. She was known for her great beauty, as was her brother Aristobulus...
.
Tigranes from his marriage had a son called Gaius Julius Alexander
Gaius Julius Alexander
Gaius Julius Alexander was a Herodian Prince that lived in the 1st century and 2nd century in the Roman Empire.Alexander was of Jewish, Nabataean, Edomite, Greek, Armenian and Persian ancestry. He was the son of the Herodian Prince, later King Tigranes VI of Armenia and his wife Opgalli...
. After Tigranes was crowned King in Rome, his son Alexander had married Iotapa in Rome
Rome
Rome is the capital of Italy and the country's largest and most populated city and comune, with over 2.7 million residents in . The city is located in the central-western portion of the Italian Peninsula, on the Tiber River within the Lazio region of Italy.Rome's history spans two and a half...
. The marriage between Alexander and Iotapa was mostly a political alliance that occurred between the fathers of Iotapa and Alexander. After the marriage of Iotapa and Alexander occurred in Rome, Nero crowned them Queen and King of Cetis, a small region in Cilicia
Cilicia
In antiquity, Cilicia was the south coastal region of Asia Minor, south of the central Anatolian plateau. It existed as a political entity from Hittite times into the Byzantine empire...
, that was previously ruled by her father. The Roman city in Cilicia Elaiussa Sebaste
Elaiussa Sebaste
Elaiussa Sebaste or Elaeousa Sebaste was an ancient Roman town located from Mersin in the direction of Silifke in Cilicia on the southern coast of Anatolia . Elaiussa, meaning olive, was founded in the 2nd century B.C...
was made a part of their Kingdom. Iotapa and Alexander ruled Cetis from 58 until at least 72. Iotapa was still alive when the Flavian dynasty
Flavian dynasty
The Flavian dynasty was a Roman Imperial Dynasty, which ruled the Roman Empire between 69 and 96 AD, encompassing the reigns of Vespasian , and his two sons Titus and Domitian . The Flavians rose to power during the civil war of 69, known as the Year of the Four Emperors...
had ruled the Roman Empire
Roman Empire
The Roman Empire was the post-Republican period of the ancient Roman civilization, characterised by an autocratic form of government and large territorial holdings in Europe and around the Mediterranean....
from 69-96. However after that, there is no more known on Iotapa.
Little is known on the marriage and reign of Alexander and Iotapa. Iotapa bore Alexander three children: two sons Gaius Julius Agrippa
Gaius Julius Agrippa
Gaius Julius Agrippa was a Cilician Prince and the first born son of King Gaius Julius Alexander and Queen Julia Iotapa of Cetis. He had two younger siblings: a brother called Gaius Julius Alexander Berenicianus and a sister called Julia Iotapa....
, Gaius Julius Alexander Berenicianus
Gaius Julius Alexander Berenicianus
Gaius Julius Alexander Berenicianus was a Cilician Prince and second-born son to King Gaius Julius Alexander and Queen Julia Iotapa of Cetis. His eldest brother was Gaius Julius Agrippa and his younger sister was Julia Iotapa....
and a daughter Julia Iotapa (below). Their children were born and raised in Cetis. A possible descendant from their marriage was the usurper
Usurper
Usurper is a derogatory term used to describe either an illegitimate or controversial claimant to the power; often, but not always in a monarchy, or a person who succeeds in establishing himself as a monarch without inheriting the throne, or any other person exercising authority unconstitutionally...
Jotapianus
Jotapianus
Marcus Fulvius Rufus Jotapianus or Jotapian, he was also known as Iotapianus or Iotapian. Jotapianus was an usurper in the eastern provinces of the Roman Empire during the reign of Emperor Philip the Arab, around 249...
, who lived in the 3rd century
3rd century
The 3rd century was the period from 201 to 300 in the Christian/Common Era.In this century, the Roman Empire saw a crisis, marking the beginning of Late Antiquity. In Persia, the Parthian Empire was succeeded by the Sassanid Empire....
.
Sources
- Roman-emperors.org
- Herodes
- Josephus
- http://www2.ehw.gr/asiaminor/Forms/fLemmaBody.aspx?lemmaid=?7950
- Anthony Wagner, Pedigree and Progress, Essays in the Genealogical Interpretation of History, London, Philmore, 1975. Rutgers Alex CS4.W33.
- Christian SettipaniChristian SettipaniChristian Settipani is the Technical Director of an IT company in Paris and a genealogist and historian.He has a Master of Advanced Studies degree from the Paris-Sorbonne University and is currently preparing his doctoral thesis, while he often gives lectures to students undergraduates at the...
, Continuite Gentilice et Continuite Familiale Dans Les Familles Senatoriales Romaines, A L'Epoque Imperiale, Mythe et Realite. Linacre, UK: Prosopographica et Genealogica, 2000. ILL. NYPL ASY (Rome) 03-983. - Chahin, Mark (2001). The Kingdom of Armenia. Routlege, pp. 190–191. ISBN 0700714529
- Kelsey Williams Author address: gkkwilliams at cowboy dot net.
- Chris Bennett
Wife of Galatian Roman Senator Gaius Julius Quadratus Bassus
Julia Iotapa or Julia Iotape, sometimes known as Julia of Cilicia (born around 80-?) was a CiliciaCilicia
In antiquity, Cilicia was the south coastal region of Asia Minor, south of the central Anatolian plateau. It existed as a political entity from Hittite times into the Byzantine empire...
n Princess who lived in the 1st century and 2nd century. She was the daughter to King Gaius Julius Alexander
Gaius Julius Alexander
Gaius Julius Alexander was a Herodian Prince that lived in the 1st century and 2nd century in the Roman Empire.Alexander was of Jewish, Nabataean, Edomite, Greek, Armenian and Persian ancestry. He was the son of the Herodian Prince, later King Tigranes VI of Armenia and his wife Opgalli...
and Queen Julia Iotapa of Cetis. Her eldest brothers were Gaius Julius Agrippa
Gaius Julius Agrippa
Gaius Julius Agrippa was a Cilician Prince and the first born son of King Gaius Julius Alexander and Queen Julia Iotapa of Cetis. He had two younger siblings: a brother called Gaius Julius Alexander Berenicianus and a sister called Julia Iotapa....
and Gaius Julius Alexander Berenicianus
Gaius Julius Alexander Berenicianus
Gaius Julius Alexander Berenicianus was a Cilician Prince and second-born son to King Gaius Julius Alexander and Queen Julia Iotapa of Cetis. His eldest brother was Gaius Julius Agrippa and his younger sister was Julia Iotapa....
.
Surviving inscriptions on her family reveal that her family were related to important members of Asian, non-Jewish and Jewish aristocracy. She was of Jewish
Jews
The Jews , also known as the Jewish people, are a nation and ethnoreligious group originating in the Israelites or Hebrews of the Ancient Near East. The Jewish ethnicity, nationality, and religion are strongly interrelated, as Judaism is the traditional faith of the Jewish nation...
, Nabataean
Nabataeans
Thamudi3.jpgThe Nabataeans, also Nabateans , were ancient peoples of southern Canaan and the northern part of Arabia, whose oasis settlements in the time of Josephus , gave the name of Nabatene to the borderland between Syria and Arabia, from the Euphrates to the Red Sea...
, Edom
Edom
Edom or Idumea was a historical region of the Southern Levant located south of Judea and the Dead Sea. It is mentioned in biblical records as a 1st millennium BC Iron Age kingdom of Edom, and in classical antiquity the cognate name Idumea was used to refer to a smaller area in the same region...
ite, Greek
Greeks
The Greeks, also known as the Hellenes , are a nation and ethnic group native to Greece, Cyprus and neighboring regions. They also form a significant diaspora, with Greek communities established around the world....
, Armenian, Medes
Medes
The MedesThe Medes...
and Persian origins
Persian people
The Persian people are part of the Iranian peoples who speak the modern Persian language and closely akin Iranian dialects and languages. The origin of the ethnic Iranian/Persian peoples are traced to the Ancient Iranian peoples, who were part of the ancient Indo-Iranians and themselves part of...
. Her paternal grandparents were King Tigranes VI of Armenia
Tigranes VI of Armenia
Tigranes VI, also known as Tigran VI or by his Roman name Gaius Julius Tigranes was a Herodian Prince and served as a Roman Client King of Armenia in the 1st century....
and his wife Opgalli. Through Tigranes, she was a descendant of King Archelaus of Cappadocia
Archelaus of Cappadocia
-Family & Early Life:Archelaus was a Cappadocian Greek nobleman, possibly of Macedonian descent. His full name was Archelaus Sisines. He was the first born son, namesake of the Roman Client and High Priest Ruler Archelaus, of the temple state of Comana, Cappadocia and Glaphyra. Archelaus’ father...
, King of Judea Herod the Great
Herod the Great
Herod , also known as Herod the Great , was a Roman client king of Judea. His epithet of "the Great" is widely disputed as he is described as "a madman who murdered his own family and a great many rabbis." He is also known for his colossal building projects in Jerusalem and elsewhere, including his...
and his wife Mariamne
Mariamne (second wife of Herod)
Mariamne I, also called Mariamne the Hasmonean was the second wife of Herod the Great. She was known for her great beauty, as was her brother Aristobulus...
. Iotapa along with her family and paternal relatives were among the last known descendants of the Herodian Dynasty
Herodian Dynasty
The Herodian Dynasty was a Jewish dynasty of Idumean descent, client Kings of Roman Judaea Province between 37 BCE and 92 CE.- Origin :During the time of the Hasmonean ruler John Hyrcanus 134-104 BCE, Israel conquered Edom and forced the Edomites to convert to Judaism.The Edomites were integrated...
. She was an apostate
Apostasy
Apostasy , 'a defection or revolt', from ἀπό, apo, 'away, apart', στάσις, stasis, 'stand, 'standing') is the formal disaffiliation from or abandonment or renunciation of a religion by a person. One who commits apostasy is known as an apostate. These terms have a pejorative implication in everyday...
to Judaism
Judaism
Judaism ) is the "religion, philosophy, and way of life" of the Jewish people...
. It is unlikely that Iotapa attempted to exert influence on Judean Politics. Her maternal grandparents were King Antiochus IV of Commagene
Antiochus IV of Commagene
Gaius Julius Antiochus IV Epiphanes , the last king of Commagene, reigned between 38-72 as a client king to the Roman Empire.-Life:Antiochus was a prince and son of Antiochus III of Commagene and his mother was Queen Iotapa of Commagene. The parents of Antiochus IV were full-blooded siblings, who...
and Queen Julia Iotapa.
The Kingdom of Cetis was a small client state in the Roman Empire
Roman Empire
The Roman Empire was the post-Republican period of the ancient Roman civilization, characterised by an autocratic form of government and large territorial holdings in Europe and around the Mediterranean....
. Cetis was a small region in Cilicia
Cilicia
In antiquity, Cilicia was the south coastal region of Asia Minor, south of the central Anatolian plateau. It existed as a political entity from Hittite times into the Byzantine empire...
that was previously ruled by her Cappadocia
Cappadocia
Cappadocia is a historical region in Central Anatolia, largely in Nevşehir Province.In the time of Herodotus, the Cappadocians were reported as occupying the whole region from Mount Taurus to the vicinity of the Euxine...
n royal ancestors and Antiochus IV. The city in Cilicia Elaiussa Sebaste
Elaiussa Sebaste
Elaiussa Sebaste or Elaeousa Sebaste was an ancient Roman town located from Mersin in the direction of Silifke in Cilicia on the southern coast of Anatolia . Elaiussa, meaning olive, was founded in the 2nd century B.C...
was a part of the Kingdom. When her parents married in Rome
Rome
Rome is the capital of Italy and the country's largest and most populated city and comune, with over 2.7 million residents in . The city is located in the central-western portion of the Italian Peninsula, on the Tiber River within the Lazio region of Italy.Rome's history spans two and a half...
in 58, then Roman Emperor
Roman Emperor
The Roman emperor was the ruler of the Roman State during the imperial period . The Romans had no single term for the office although at any given time, a given title was associated with the emperor...
Nero
Nero
Nero , was Roman Emperor from 54 to 68, and the last in the Julio-Claudian dynasty. Nero was adopted by his great-uncle Claudius to become his heir and successor, and succeeded to the throne in 54 following Claudius' death....
crowned his parents as monarchs and gave them that region to rule. She was born, raised and educated in Cetis.
Iotapa married the Galatia
Galatia
Ancient Galatia was an area in the highlands of central Anatolia in modern Turkey. Galatia was named for the immigrant Gauls from Thrace , who settled here and became its ruling caste in the 3rd century BC, following the Gallic invasion of the Balkans in 279 BC. It has been called the "Gallia" of...
n Roman Senator
Roman Senate
The Senate of the Roman Republic was a political institution in the ancient Roman Republic, however, it was not an elected body, but one whose members were appointed by the consuls, and later by the censors. After a magistrate served his term in office, it usually was followed with automatic...
from Anatolia
Anatolia
Anatolia is a geographic and historical term denoting the westernmost protrusion of Asia, comprising the majority of the Republic of Turkey...
, Gaius Julius Quadratus Bassus
Gaius Julius Quadratus Bassus
Gaius Julius Quadratus Bassus , a Romanized Galatian, was a Legate at Judaea between 102/103 and 104/105, Consul of Rome in 105 and Proconsul of Asia in 105. He was the son of Gaius Julius Bassus, Proconsul in Bithynia in 98....
. Iotapa bore Bassus a daughter called Julia Quadratilla (b. ca 100). She married to Gaius Julius Lupus Titus Vibius Varus Laevillus (ca 95 - aft. 132), Quaestor
Quaestor
A Quaestor was a type of public official in the "Cursus honorum" system who supervised financial affairs. In the Roman Republic a quaestor was an elected official whereas, with the autocratic government of the Roman Empire, quaestors were simply appointed....
in Asia in 132.
Quadratilla and Laevillus had:
- Aulus Julius Amyntas, Nobleman of EphesusEphesusEphesus was an ancient Greek city, and later a major Roman city, on the west coast of Asia Minor, near present-day Selçuk, Izmir Province, Turkey. It was one of the twelve cities of the Ionian League during the Classical Greek era...
- Aulus Julius Claudius Charax (ca 115 - aft. 147), married and father of:
- Julia, married to Gaius Asinius RufusGaius Asinius RufusGaius Asinius Rufus was a notable in Lydia in 134 and 135 who became a Roman Senator in 136. He was probably the son of Gaius Asinius Frugi , monet. of Phrygia between 98 and 116....
(ca 110 - aft. 136), and had issue
- Julia, married to Gaius Asinius Rufus
- Aulus Julius Proculus (ca 120 - aft. 156), Nobleman of EphesusEphesusEphesus was an ancient Greek city, and later a major Roman city, on the west coast of Asia Minor, near present-day Selçuk, Izmir Province, Turkey. It was one of the twelve cities of the Ionian League during the Classical Greek era...
, married to Claudia Basilo (b. ca 125)
A possible descendant of Iotapa and Bassus could be the usurper
Usurper
Usurper is a derogatory term used to describe either an illegitimate or controversial claimant to the power; often, but not always in a monarchy, or a person who succeeds in establishing himself as a monarch without inheriting the throne, or any other person exercising authority unconstitutionally...
Jotapianus
Jotapianus
Marcus Fulvius Rufus Jotapianus or Jotapian, he was also known as Iotapianus or Iotapian. Jotapianus was an usurper in the eastern provinces of the Roman Empire during the reign of Emperor Philip the Arab, around 249...
, who lived in the 3rd century
3rd century
The 3rd century was the period from 201 to 300 in the Christian/Common Era.In this century, the Roman Empire saw a crisis, marking the beginning of Late Antiquity. In Persia, the Parthian Empire was succeeded by the Sassanid Empire....
.
Sources
- Reis De Commagene Julia Iotapa
- acsearch.info ancient coin search engine: Kings of Armenia
- Anthony Wagner, Pedigree and Progress, Essays in the Genealogical Interpretation of History, London, Philmore, 1975. Rutgers Alex CS4.W33.
- Christian SettipaniChristian SettipaniChristian Settipani is the Technical Director of an IT company in Paris and a genealogist and historian.He has a Master of Advanced Studies degree from the Paris-Sorbonne University and is currently preparing his doctoral thesis, while he often gives lectures to students undergraduates at the...
, Les Ancêtres de Charlemagne (France: Éditions Christian, 1989). - Anthony Bash, Ambassadors for Christ: an exploration of ambassadorial language in the New Testament, Mohr Siebeck, 1997
- Manuel Dejante Pinto de Magalhães Arnao Metello and João Carlos Metello de Nápoles, "Metellos de Portugal, Brasil e Roma", Torres Novas, 1998
- Christian SettipaniChristian SettipaniChristian Settipani is the Technical Director of an IT company in Paris and a genealogist and historian.He has a Master of Advanced Studies degree from the Paris-Sorbonne University and is currently preparing his doctoral thesis, while he often gives lectures to students undergraduates at the...
, Continuite Gentilice et Continuite Familiale Dans Les Familles Senatoriales Romaines, A L'Epoque Imperiale, Mythe et Realite. Linacre, UK: Prosopographica et Genealogica, 2000. ILL. NYPL ASY (Rome) 03-983. - Luíz Paulo Manuel de Menezes de Mello Vaz de São-Payo, A Herança Genética de Dom Afonso I Henriques (Portugal: Centro de Estudos de História da Família da Universidade Moderna do Porto, Porto, 2002).
- Kelsey Williams, Plantagenet Descents From Ancient Judea. Posting to soc.genealogy.medieval (email list GEN-MEDIEVAL) on 6/23/2002-201716. Subject: Re: Plantagenet Descents From Ancient Judea. Available here. Author address: gkkwilliams at cowboy dot net.
- Chris Bennett, Egyptian Royal Genealogy - Ptolemaic Dynasty, 2005. Avail at visited 5/12/2005