Tiberius Julius Cotys III

T. J. Cotys III
Elecrum stater of Cotys III, legend: BACYΛEΩC ΚΟΤΥΟ. (other side: head of Severus Alexander, year ΦΚΕ' = 525 = 228/9) 18.5 mm, 7.38 g.
King of the Bosporus
Reign228 - 234
PredecessorT. J. Rhescuporis III
SuccessorT. J. Ininthimeus
Co-regentT. J. Sauromates III 229-232
T. J. Rhescuporis IV 233-234
Died234
IssueT. J. Rhescuporis IV
T. J. Ininthimeus
DynastyTiberian-Julian
FatherT. J. Rhescuporis III

Cotys III or Kotys III (Greek: Τιβέριος Ἰούλιος Κότυς Γ' Φιλοκαῖσαρ Φιλορωμαῖος Eὐσεβής, Tiberios Iulios Kotys Philocaesar Philoromaios Eusebes, flourished second half of 2nd century and first half of 3rd century – died 234) was a Roman client king of the Bosporan Kingdom. Like many of the other late Bosporan kings, Cotys III is known mainly from coinage, meaning that the historical events of his reign are largely unknown. His coins are known from the period 228–234.[1] He is known from an inscription to have been the son of his predecessor, Rhescuporis III.[2]

Cotys III's coinage overlaps with the coins of Sauromates III,[1] perhaps his brother,[2] and Rhescuporis IV. They might thus have been co-rulers with him.[1] His relationship to later kings is unknown, though it has been suggested that he was the father of Ininthimeus.[2]

  1. ^ a b c Mitchiner, Michael (1978). The Ancient & Classical World, 600 B.C.-A.D. 650. Hawkins Publications. p. 69. ISBN 978-0-904173-16-1.
  2. ^ a b c Settipani, Christian (2006). Continuité des élites à Byzance durant les siècles obscurs: les princes caucasiens et l'Empire du VI:e au IX:e siècle (in French). Paris: De Boccard. p. 408. ISBN 978-2-7018-0226-8.