Mithrobouzanes of Sophene

Mithrobouzanes was the Orontid king of Sophene in the second half of the 2nd-century BC.[1] His name (Μιθροβουζάνης) is the Greek transliteration of the Iranian name *MiΘra-bauǰ-ana-, meaning "Delighting Mithra."[2][3] The Armenian equivalent to the name would be Me(h)ruzhan (Մեհրուժան).[4] He was the son and successor of Zariadres.[3]

Reign

His reigning period is uncertain;[5] he is attested between 188 and 163 BC.[1] Following Mithrobouzanes' succession, his rule was contested by his brother Artaxias I, who claimed the right to rule over Sophene based on his succession rights (primogeniture). However, Mithrobouzanes managed to preserve the independence of their kingdom, due to their diplomatic (and possibly dynastic) link with Cappadocia. The next known successor of Mithrobouzane was Arkathias.[6]

References

  1. ^ a b Marciak 2017, p. 155.
  2. ^ Schmitt 2005.
  3. ^ a b Marciak 2017, p. 81.
  4. ^ Vryonis, Speros; Toumanoff, Cyril (July 1967). "Studies in Christian Caucasian History". The American Historical Review. 72 (4): 293. doi:10.2307/1847825. ISSN 0002-8762. JSTOR 1847825.
  5. ^ Marciak 2017, p. 127.
  6. ^ Marciak 2017, pp. 155, 158.

Sources

  • Marciak, Michał (2017). Sophene, Gordyene, and Adiabene: Three Regna Minora of Northern Mesopotamia Between East and West. BRILL. ISBN 9789004350724.
  • Schmitt, Rüdiger (2005). "Personal Names, Iranian iv. Parthian Period". Encyclopædia Iranica, online edition. New York.{{cite encyclopedia}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  • v
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Kings of Sophene
  • Sames I (ca. 260 BC)
  • Arsames I (ca. 240 BC)
  • Xerxes (ca. 220 BC)
  • Zariadres (ca. 190 BC)
  • Mithrobouzanes (second half of the 2nd-century BC)
  • Arkathias (second half of the 2nd-century BC)
  • Artanes (ca. 95 BC)