Theopator (Ancient Greek: Θεοπάτωρ), meaning "one who has a father who is a god", is a title used by Hellenistic, Roman and Parthian rulers.[1] The term was also used in Christian literature, but not with the same meaning, it meant "father of God" and was used to describe the relationship of blood between David (David Theopator) and Jesus. (see Davidic line).[1]

Hellenistic

It has been found on Seleucid coins.[2][1]

Hellenistic rulers who used the epithet:

Roman

The term was found in an epigram at Heraion of Samos and was used to describe emperor Titus.[1]

Parthian

Parthian rulers adopted the Greek iconography and titles and some kings used on their coins the epithet, with Greek letters on the observe under the royal portrait.[2][3] (see List of monarchs of Persia#Parthian Empire (247 BC – AD 228))

Christianity

The term was also used by Hesychius, who was a Presbyter of Jerusalem, with a different meaning though. He used it as "father of God", in order to describe David as the ancestor of Jesus.[4]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Kordula Schnegg (2002). Commerce and Monetary Systems in the Ancient World: Means of Transmission and Cultural Interaction. Franz Steiner Verlag. p. 367.
  2. 1 2 Mary Boyce (2000). Zoroastrians: Their Religious Beliefs and Practices. routledge. p. 82. ISBN 978-0415239035.
  3. ↑ M. Rahim Shayegan (2011). Arsacids and Sasanians: Political Ideology in Post-Hellenistic and Late Antique Persia. Cambridge University Press. pp. 228–230. ISBN 978-0521766418.
  4. ↑ De Lacy O'Leary (2001). How Greek Science Passed to the Arabs. Goodword Books. ISBN 978-8187570240.
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