He was the son and successor of King Mithridates III of Commagene and Iotapa, and of mixed Iranian,[1] Armenian,[2] Greek and Median descent – the last through his mother.
When Antiochus died in 17 AD, his death created major issues for the kingdom, which was in political turmoil at the time.
[3] The reasons for this situation are unclear, but it may have been the consequence of his children, Antiochus and Iotapa, being too young to succeed their father.
Both factions sent embassies to Rome, seeking the advice and assistance of Emperor Tiberius to decide the future of Commagene.
That decision was welcomed by many of the citizens by Commagene, which remained under Roman rule until Caligula restored the kingdom to Antiochus’ children in 38 AD.