Tiberius Julius Cotys II

T. J. Cotys II
Gold stater of the Bosporan king Cotys II, legend BACΙΛΕΩC ΡΟΙΜΗΤΑΛΚΟΥ. (Οther side: head of Hadrian, year ΥΚΓ΄ = 423 = 126/7) 19 mm, 7.78 g.
King of the Bosporus
Reign123 - 131
PredecessorT. J. Sauromates I
SuccessorT. J. Rhoemetalces
Died131
IssueT. J. Rhoemetalces
T. J. Eupator
DynastyTiberian-Julian
FatherT. J. Sauromates I

Cotys II or Kotys II (Greek: Τιβέριος Ἰούλιος Κότυς Β' Φιλοκαῖσαρ Φιλορωμαῖος Eὐσεβής, Tiberios Iulios Kotys Philocaesar Philoromaios Eusebes, flourished 2nd century, died 131) was a prince and Roman client king of the Bosporan Kingdom. Like many other later Bosporan kings, Cotys II is known mainly from coinage, alongside a few inscriptions and contemporary writings. His coins are known from the period 123–131.[1] Cotys II is known to have been the son of his predecessor Sauromates I.[2] His relationship to later kings is not known for certain, but it is possible that his two immediate successors Rhoemetalces and Eupator were his sons.[2]

During his reign, the city of Chersonesus Taurica was under his direct control. Cotys II is mentioned in the writings of the Roman Historian Arrian and was a contemporary to the rule of the Roman emperor Hadrian.

  1. ^ 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 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.