Ininthimeus | |
---|---|
![]() Copper denarius of Ininthimeus (left), also depicting
Aphrodite Urania (right); legend ININΘΙΜΗ[ΟΥ]. (Other side: Aphrodite seated holding phiale and apple). 21 mm, 7.25 g, c. 234/5-238/9. | |
King of the Bosporus | |
Reign | 234–239 |
Predecessor | Cotys III & Rhescuporis IV |
Successor | Rhescuporis V |
Died | 239 (?) |
Issue | Pharsanzes (?) |
Dynasty | Tiberian-Julian (?) |
Father | Cotys III (?) |
Ininthimeus ( Greek: Τιβέριος Ἰούλιος Ἰνινθίμηος, romanized: Tiberios Ioulios Ininthimeos), also known as Ininthimaios, [1] [2] Ininthimeos [3] or Ininthimaeus, [4] was the king of the Bosporan Kingdom, a Roman client state, from 234 to 239. His origin and lineage are uncertain; he might have been a member of the ruling Tiberian-Julian dynasty or alternatively perhaps a foreign usurper. Inintimeus's reign was marked by large-scale construction projects for defensive structures throughout the kingdom.
Ininthimeus became king of the Bosporan Kingdom in 234, succeeding Cotys III and Rhescuporis IV. [5] Although he used a different tamga (a type of seal/symbol) than his recent predecessors, it is still possible that he belonged to the same dynasty (the Tiberian-Julian dynasty). Like previous kings, Ininthimeus used the names Tiberius and Julius. [6] It is also possible that he was a foreign usurper, perhaps of Sarmatian or Alan descent. [7] If he was a Tiberian-Julian dynast, it is possible that he was a younger son of Cotys III and a brother of Rhescuporis IV. [8]
The name Ininthimeus is reminiscent of Inismeus, a 1st-century Sarmatian king of Olbia. [9] A Sarmatian connection of the name would not necessarily mean that Ininthimeus was a usurper; the Tiberian-Julian dynasty itself was of partly Sarmatian origin. [10]
Ininthimeus ruled during a period of increasing barbarian pressure on the Bosporan Kingdom. [9] To combat threats from migrating tribes, Ininthimeus is known to have constructed new fortifications throughout the kingdom, including further developing the fortress of Iluraton in Panticapaeum. [11]
The coinage of Ininthimeus is unique among the coins of the Bosporan kings. In addition to including a bust of the king himself, the coins of Ininthimeus also include a bust of the deity Aphrodite Urania, facing Ininthimeus. [12]
After a reign of only five years, Ininthimeus died in 239 and was succeeded as king by Rhescuporis V. [5] Rhescuporis V claimed the kingdom by hereditary right; [6] he might have been the son of the previous ruler Sauromates III ( r. 229–232). [13] It is possible that Inthimeus's death marked the beginning of dynastic conflicts. The later king Pharsanzes ( r. 253–254) might have been closely connected to Inthimeus and might have fought with Rhescuporis V for the throne. [14]