He was the youngest son born to prince Aristobulus IV and princess Berenice of Judea.
When growing up, he was educated along with his eldest brothers, Agrippa I and Herod of Chalcis in Rome, along with future Roman Emperor Claudius.
Claudius and Aristobulus became friends and he became in high favor with the future emperor.
Agrippa I was charged with bribing the Damascenes to support their cause with the Proconsul against the Sidonians.
Iotapa and Aristobulus chose to live as private citizens in the Middle East.