Definition: Client King is typically used of non-Roman rulers who enjoyed Roman patronage, but were not treated as equals. Romans called such rulers rex sociusque et amicus 'king, ally, and friend' when the Senate formally recognized them. Braund emphasizes that there is little authority for the actual term "client king."
Client kings did not have to pay taxes, but they were expected to provide military manpower. The client kings expected Rome to help them defend their territories.
Sometimes client kings bequeathed their territory to Rome.
References:
- David C. Braund "client kings" The Oxford Classical Dictionary. Ed. Simon Hornblower and Anthony Spawforth. Oxford University Press 2009.
Examples:
Braund says Hieron II of Syracuse is typically considered the first client king in c. 263 B.C.
