Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology/Ariarathes

ARIARA'THES (Ἀριαράθης.) There are a great many Persian names beginning with Aria—, Ario—, and Art—, which all contain the root Ar, which is seen in Ἀρταῖοι, the ancient national name of the Persians (Herod. vii. 61), and Ἄριοι or Ἄρειοι, likewise an ancient designation of the inhabitants of the table-land of Persia. (Herod. 3.93, 7.62.) Dr. Rosen, to whom we are indebted for these remarks, (in Quarterly Journal of Education, vol. ix. p. 336,) also observes that the name Arii is the same with the Sanscrit word Arya, by which in the writings of the Hindus the followers of the Brahmanical law are designated. He shews that Arya signifies in Sanscrit "honourable, entitled to respect," and Arta, in all probability, "honoured, respected." In Aria-rathes, the latter part of the word apparently is the same as the Zend ratu, "great, master" (Bopp, Vergleichende Gramamatik, p. 196), and the name would therefore signify "an honourable master." (Comp. Pott, Etymologische Forschungen, p. xxxvi., &c.)

Ariarathes was the name of several kings of Cappadocia, who traced their origin to Anaphas, one of the seven Persian chiefs who slew the Magi. [Anaphas.]