KINGS of COMMAGENE.Iotape.(38-72).Ae.

Obv : ΒΑΣΙΛΙΣΣΑ ΙΩΤΑΠΗ ΦΙΛΑΔΕΛΦΟΣ.
Diademed and draped bust of Iotape, right.

Rev : ΚΟΜΜΑΓΗΝΩΝ.
Scorpion; all in wreath.
RPC I online 3858; SNG Copenhagen 5.

Condition : Good very fine.

Weight : 13.48 gr
Diameter : 24 mm

Iotape was a queen of Commagene who lived during the 1st century BC and 1st century AD. She was the daughter of King Antiochus III of Commagene and his wife Queen Iotapa. She was also the sister of King Mithridates III of Commagene.

In 38 BC, Iotape married King Artavasdes I of Media Atropatene, a neighboring kingdom to Commagene. The couple had three children, Phraates, Orodes, and Rhodaspes.

After the death of her husband, Iotape returned to Commagene and became the second wife of her brother, King Mithridates III. Together, they had one son, Antiochus IV of Commagene.

Iotape was known for her beauty and intelligence, and was greatly respected by her husband and the people of Commagene. She was also a patron of the arts and supported the construction of several monuments and temples, including the famous Mount Nemrut, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Iotape died in the early 1st century AD, and was succeeded by her son Antiochus IV as king of Commagene.