Orophernes of Cappadocia

Orophernes Nikephoros (Greek Oρoφέρνης Nικηφόρoς ) was 158-157 BC sole ruler of Cappadocia, then temporarily co-regent with his brother Ariarathes V. Eusebes Philopator.

Life and work

Orophernes was one of two - possibly - illegitimate sons, his mother Antiochis her husband Ariarathes to have foisted IV of Cappadocia, as Diodorus. After the birth of their son undoubtedly, Mithridates, the later Ariarathes, Orophernes was to prevent his ambitions to the throne, was sent to Ionia. After his brother, who had already ascended the throne as Ariarathes V., refused, the sister of the king of Syria, to marry Demetrius I Soter, this helped him to enforce claims to the Cappadocian throne.

157 BC, after Ariarathes was deposed and fled to Rome, Orophernes sent two ambassadors to Rome ( Timotheos and Diogenes ) to support the ambassadors of Demetrius to his brother. According to a report by the ancient historian Appian, the Romans decided to divide the rule to the two brothers. The rule of Orophernes was allegedly characterized by moral decay and introduction of systematic debauchery. To this end, he is said to have plundered his subordinates, killed and confiscated their property. Diodorus reports that he, as his business deteriorated and he feared his soldiers would mutiny for unpaid Soldes, plunder the temple of Zeus had to pay out to the soldiers. Irrespective of this, has its dominion probably not long stopped because after a short time Ariarathes V. is again named as sole ruler.

Orophernes stored in the event that fate would have it again cheaper, 400 talents among the citizens of Priene as collateral. This refunded the money but later, after Ariarathes it as an opportunity of a - had taken the war against Priene - unfinished on the intervention of the Romans.

After Orophernes had been forced to return to Syria, he participated in a conspiracy against Demetrius, who had him put it in chains, but spared his life in order to use it as a means to Ariarathes can.