Ariarathes III (in Greek Aριαράθης; reigned 262 or 255–220 BC), son of Ariamnes, ruler of Cappadocia, and grandson of Ariarathes II, married Stratonice (in Greek Stratonike), a daughter of Antiochus II, king of Syria and wife Laodice I (in Greek Laodike I), and obtained a share in the government during the life-time of his father. He was the first ruler of Cappadocia to proclaim himself around 250 BC king (basileus), and it is known that he sided with Antiochus Hierax in his war against Seleucus II Callinicus. Ariarathes is also said to have expanded his kingdom adding Cataonia to his dominions. By his marriage he was the father of Ariarathes IV.

*Hazel, John; Who's Who in the Greek World, "Ariarathes III", (1999) *Head, Barclay; Historia Numorum, "Cappadocia", (1911) *Justin; Epitome of Pompeius Trogus, John Selby Watson (translator); London, (1886) *Smith, William (editor); Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology, "Ariarathes III", Boston, (1867) *Christian Settipani, Les Ancêtres de Charlemagne (France: Éditions Christian, 1989).

Diodorus Siculus, Bibliotheca, xxxi. 3; Strabo, Geography, xii. 1; Pompeius Trogus, Prologi, xxv; Justin, xxvii. 3 ----------