Civilization: Kingdom of Cappadocia
Ruler: Ariobarzanes III Eusebes Philoromaios
Mint: Caesarea
Year: 52 - 42 BC
Composition: Silver
Denomination: Drachm
Diameter: 15.0mm
Weight: 3.36g
Reference: SNG Cop. 162

Obverse
Head of Ariobarzanes III right, wearing diadem

Reverse
ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΡΙΟΒΑΡΖΑΝΟΥ ΕΥΣΕΒΟΥΣ ΚΑΙ ΦΙΛΟΡΩΜΑΙΟΥ. Athena Nikephoros standing left; star and crescent to inner left, monogram to inner right

Ariobarzanes III, surnamed Eusebes Philorhomaios, meaning "Pious and Friend of the Romans," was the king of Cappadocia from around 51 BC until 42 BC. He was of Persian and Greek ancestry and was recognized by the Roman Senate as the successor to his father, Ariobarzanes II of Cappadocia. Cicero, the Roman governor of Cilicia, noted that he faced numerous enemies, including his mother, Athenais.

Ariobarzanes III initially supported Pompey during the civil war in Rome, but after Julius Caesar emerged victorious, he retained his position and even gained territory, including Lesser Armenia. However, his reign ended tragically when Cassius Longinus executed him in 42 BC due to his refusal to permit further Roman intervention in his kingdom. Ariobarzanes III was succeeded by his brother, Ariarathes X of Cappadocia.