Ariobarzanes III, named Eusebes Philoromanus (Ancient Greek: Ἀριοϐαρζάνης Εὐσεϐής Φιλορώμαιος, Ariobarzánēs Eusebḗs Philorṓmaios, Pious, lover of Rome), was the king of Cappadocia from ca. 51 BC until 42 BC. He was of Persian and Greek ancestry. The Roman Senate agreed that he was to be his father's successor who was Ariobarzanes II of Cappadocia and Cicero, governor of Cilicia, noted that he was surrounded by enemies which included his mother Athenais. Originally highly supportive of Pompey despite the cost, he was maintained in his position after Julius Caesar won the civil war in Rome, even gaining territory with the addition of Lesser Armenia. The liberator Cassius Longinus had him executed in 42 BC because he would not allow more Roman intervention in his kingdom. His brother was Ariarathes X of Cappadocia.
Preceded by Ariobarzanes II Philopator |
Ruler of Cappadocia 51 BC – ca. 42 BC |
Succeeded by Ariarathes X Eusebes Philadelphos |