Claim: On returning home and ascending the throne on the death of his father, Izates, son of Queen Helena of Adiabene, discovered the conversion of his mother who had been previously won over to Judaism without his knowledge.
Evidence: He was the son of Queen Helena of Adiabene and Monobaz I of Adiabene. His mother had been previously won over to Judaism without his knowledge. On returning home and ascending the throne on the death of his father (c. 31 CE), Izates discovered the conversion of his mother; and he himself intended to adopt Judaism, and even to submit to circumcision.