Spartocus I
| Spartocus I | |
|---|---|
| Ruler of the Bosporan Kingdom | |
| Reign | c. 438-432 BC |
| Predecessor | Sagaurus(?) |
| Successor | Satyrus I and Seleucus |
| Born | c. 500 BC Thrace |
| Died | 432 BC Bosporan Kingdom |
| Consort | Unknown |
| Issue |
|
| Greek | σπαρτόκο |
| House | Spartocid |
| Father | Unknown |
| Mother | Unknown |
Spartocus I (Greek: Σπάρτοκος, romanized: Spartokos) was the founder[1] and first ruler of the Spartocid dynasty in the Bosporan Kingdom. He usurped the former rulers of the Bosporus, the Archaeanactids, after being a mercenary under their command sometime in 438 BC.[2]
Life and Reign[edit]
Little to nothing is known of Spartocus' early life. He may have been a member of the Odrysian dynasty of rulers in Thrace, possibly making him of Thracian origin, but this is disputed.[3] Around 438 BC, he seized the tyranny from the Archaeanactids either peacefully or by force, possibly using his background to get control of the Bosporan army.[4] He also forged trade agreements with the Athenians, though not to the extent of his grandson Leukon.[5] In a speech before an audience of Athenians in the years 395-390 BCE, he was said to have considered the Athenians the most "important of the Greeks" and provided them first with his grain.[6] He also played a small, yet notable part in the Bosporan wars of expansion, a series of wars and conflicts that would expand his dynasty's realm.
Succession[edit]
Spartocus was succeeded by his sons Seleucus and Satyrus who jointly reigned together. Satyrus continued his father's aggressive policy of expansion and his grandson after him, creating a powerful kingdom in the Cimmerian Bosporus. His dynasty would endure some 300 years, and he would have at least 5 descendants to bear his name.
References[edit]
- ^ Darel Tai Engen (2010). Honor and Profit: Athenian Trade Policy and the Economy. University of Michigan Press. ISBN 978-0472116348.
- ^ John Morrison (31 October 2016). Greek and Roman Oared Ships. Oxbow Books. ISBN 9781785704321.
Spartokos I was the founder of the Bosporan dynasty
- ^ D. E. W. WORMELL (1946). "STUDIES IN GREEK TYRANNY—II. Leucon of Bosporus". Hermathena (68): 49–71. JSTOR 23037564.
It seems likely to connect that Spartokos was connected by birth to the Odrysian dynasty.
- ^ Alexander Podossinov. Dynasty of the Spartocids.
- ^ Darel Tai Engen (2010). Honor and Profit: Athenian Trade Policy and the Economy. University of Michigan Press. ISBN 978-0472116348.
Spartokos I only provided sporadic trade-related services for Athens, and was not officially honoured.
- ^ Darel Tai Engen (2010). Honor and Profit: Athenian Trade Policy and the Economy. University of Michigan Press. ISBN 978-0472116348.