The end of independent Cappadocia: roman annexation as learning the lessons of the past

The article deals with the problem of Rome’s annexation of the kingdom of Cappadocia during the reign of Emperor Tiberius. The last king of Cappadocia, Archelaus I, remained a loyal ally of Rome for half a century, so the decision to liquidate his kingdom may seem unexpected. Ancient authors explained this by the emperor’s personal dislike of Archelaus, but this alone was not enough for such a decision. The article attempts to show that the main motives were strategic. Cappadocia occupied an important place in the defense system of the Roman provinces, it controlled the crossings over the Euphrates and the route to Armenia, which at that time was the site of the most acute conflict of interests between Rome and Parthia. The experience of the past taught that the absence of a strong government in Cappadocia could lead to a great war, as happened during the confrontation between Rome and Mithridates. By the time the kingdom was liquidated, the situation was very acute again. There was a struggle for the throne of Roman and Parthian proteges in Armenia, Archelaus was already old and weak, the king died in neighboring Commagene and there was a struggle between supporters and opponents of submission to Rome. Added to this was the change of power in Parthia, which was headed by the energetic Artaban III, ready to defend his interests with armed force. The matter could turn into a big war, so Tiberius took the decisive step, deposing Archelaus under a far-fetched pretext and annexing Cappadocia and Commagene. Thus, he strengthened Rome’s position on the northern section of the Euphrates border, and later was able to achieve a solution to the Armenian issue acceptable to both Rome and Parthia.