Izates II of Adiabene

Izates II ruled Adiabene and adopted Judaism, illustrating the influence of Jewish faith beyond Roman Judea.

Izates II was a son of Helena and Monobazus I of Adiabene. Josephus relates that Jewish teachers introduced him to Jewish religious practices while he was living away from the royal court. On becoming king, Izates faced the challenge of governing a population that did not share all of his religious commitments. His advisers disagreed over whether circumcision was necessary for him to practice Judaism fully. Josephus reports that Izates eventually underwent circumcision. His reign also involved complex relations with Parthian rulers and internal family tensions. His mother Helena became famous for assisting famine-stricken Jerusalem. Josephus says Izates died after a reign of twenty-four years and was succeeded by his brother Monobazus.

Izates illustrates Jewish religious influence among Near Eastern elites and the practical questions raised when rulers adopted Jewish customs.

Became acquainted with Judaism through Jewish teachers. Succeeded to the throne of Adiabene. Adopted Jewish religious practices and later underwent circumcision. Maintained relations with Parthian rulers. Died after a reign of about twenty-four years.

Died in the mid-first century AD. Josephus says his remains were later brought to Jerusalem for burial alongside those of his mother Helena.

Izates is not named in the Bible. His life illustrates the wider world of Jewish communities and converts during the period in which Christianity first spread.