Antiochus I Theos of Commagene (reigned 70 BCE-38 BCE), had been an ally to Roman general Pompey in his campaigns against Mithridates of Pontus in 64 BCE.

Through skilled diplomacy, Antiochus had been able to keep Commagene independent from the Romans.

Very little is known of the life and reign of grandson Antiochus III of Commagene, whose death creates major issues for the kingdom, as Commagene is currently in political turmoil.

The reasons for this situation are unclear; however, it may have been the result of his children by his sister-wife Queen Iotapa, Antiochus and Iotapa being too young to succeed their father.

This may have meant that there was no effective authority to prevent civil unrest and unite the citizens of Commagene.

After Antiochus' death, two political factions appear.

One faction is led by noblemen who want Commagene to be placed under the rule of the Roman Empire and the other faction is led by citizens who want Commagene's independence to be retained under the rule of their own king.

Both factions send embassies to Rome, seeking the advice and assistance of the Roman Emperor Tiberius to decide the future of Commagene.

Tiberius decides to make Commagene a part of the Roman province of Syria, a decision welcomed by many of Commagene’s citizens.