The Kings of Cappadocia were a dynasty that ruled this region of Asia Minor from the late Persian era until the Roman annexation in the 1st century AD . Initially, under Achaemenid Persian rule, Cappadocia was administered by local satraps of Persian origin. After the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BC, the region regained its independence under the Ariarathes dynasty, which inaugurated a line of monarchs who, although with oriental roots, progressively adopted Hellenistic culture and institutions. These kings were able to maintain a relative autonomy from the great powers of the time, such as the Seleucids, the Kingdom of Pontus and, later, Rome.
During the Hellenistic period, the Cappadocian monarchs distinguished themselves for their diplomatic skill and adaptability. They adopted Greek names and customs, promoted coinage with Hellenistic iconography , and established relations of both rivalry and alliance with neighboring powers. Among the most notable were Ariarathes IV and V, who faced conflicts with the Kingdom of Pontus, and the Ariobarzanes dynasty, allies of Rome. The last king, Archelaus, was deposed in 17 AD by Emperor Tiberius, at which point Cappadocia became a Roman province, putting an end to the local royal dynasty.
Cappadocia's connection with horses comes from its very name, which in Old Persian is Katpatuka and means "land of beautiful horses." This name is due to the fact that, since ancient times, the region was famous for the quality, beauty, and bravery of its horses, which were so highly prized that they were sent as tribute or gifts to great kings of neighboring empires, such as the Persians and the Assyrians.
