Obodas III ruled the Nabataean Kingdom in name while his vizier Syllaeus held effective power — a political arrangement that generated enough tension to reach Augustus himself, who ultimately sided against Syllaeus after a disastrous Arabian campaign in 25–24 BC that Syllaeus had deliberately sabotaged. Coins of Obodas III are consequently rare; his reign lasted only from around 30 to 9 BC, and the political instability surrounding his court likely disrupted regular mint output.
He died under circumstances suspicious enough that Syllaeus was accused of poisoning him.
Obodas III ruled the Nabataean Kingdom in name while his vizier Syllaeus held effective power — a political arrangement that generated enough tension to reach Augustus himself, who ultimately sided against Syllaeus after a disastrous Arabian campaign in 25–24 BC that Syllaeus had deliberately sabotaged. Coins of Obodas III are consequently rare; his reign lasted only from around 30 to 9 BC, and the political instability surrounding his court likely disrupted regular mint output.
He died under circumstances suspicious enough that Syllaeus was accused of poisoning him.