Editing Hellenistic period (section)

=== Cappadocia ===
{{Main|Kingdom of Cappadocia}}
[[Cappadocia]], a mountainous region situated between Pontus and the Taurus mountains, was ruled by a Persian dynasty. [[Ariarathes&nbsp;I]] (332–322&nbsp;BC) was the [[Cappadocia (satrapy)|satrap of Cappadocia]] under the Persians and after the conquests of Alexander he retained his post. After Alexander's death he was defeated by Eumenes and [[crucifixion|crucified]] in 322&nbsp;BC, but his son, Ariarathes&nbsp;II managed to regain the throne and maintain his autonomy against the warring Diadochi.

In 255&nbsp;BC, Ariarathes&nbsp;III took the title of king and married Stratonice, a daughter of Antiochus&nbsp;II, remaining an ally of the Seleucid kingdom. Under Ariarathes&nbsp;IV, Cappadocia came into relations with Rome, first as a foe espousing the cause of [[Antiochus the Great]], then as an ally against Perseus of Macedon and finally in a war against the Seleucids. Ariarathes&nbsp;V also waged war with Rome against Aristonicus, a claimant to the throne of Pergamon, and their forces were annihilated in 130&nbsp;BC. This defeat allowed Pontus to invade and conquer the kingdom.