The Seleucid dynasty

In the absence of numerals, these rulers were often distinguished by unique nicknames, which helped to differentiate between those who shared similar names. Below, you'll find a list of these kings, along with their reign dates and explanations of their nicknames, offering insights into their legacies and the historical context of their rule.

Seleukos I Nicator ("Victor" or "Conqueror")

• Reign: 305–281 BCE
• Nicator means "Conqueror" or "Victor," commemorating Seleucus's achievements in founding the Seleucid Empire and consolidating control over vast territories.

Antiochos I Soter ("Savior")

• Reign: 281–261 BCE
• Soter, meaning "Savior," was likely adopted to honor his defense of the empire against external threats, including the Galatians.

Antiochos II Theos ("God")

• Reign: 261–246 BCE
• Theos, or "God," reflects the trend of Hellenistic rulers adopting divine epithets, likely linked to his support from Greek cities, where he was worshipped as a deity.

Seleukos II Kallinikos ("Beautiful Victor")

• Reign: 246–225 BCE
• Kallinikos means "Beautiful Victor," a hopeful title, although his reign was marked by significant struggles, including wars with Egypt and internal conflicts.

Seleukos III Keraunos ("Thunderbolt")

• Reign: 225–223 BCE
• Keraunos, meaning "Thunderbolt," was a powerful epithet that aimed to depict strength, although his reign was brief and ended in assassination.

Antiochos III the Great ("The Great")

• Reign: 223–187 BCE
• Known as "the Great" for his efforts to restore the empire's former glory, he expanded Seleucid influence but faced a critical defeat against Rome.

Seleukos IV Philopator ("Loving Father")

• Reign: 187–175 BCE
• Philopator, or "Loving Father," may have been a familial reference, focusing on his dedication to family and peace rather than military conquests.

Antiochos IV Epiphanes ("God Manifest")

• Reign: 175–163 BCE
• Epiphanes, meaning "God Manifest," highlighted his divine status, though he was also controversial and mocked by contemporaries as "Epimanes" (the Mad).

Antiochos V Eupator ("Good Father")

• Reign: 163–161 BCE
• Eupator, or "Good Father," likely refers to his dedication to his people or familial responsibilities; he was a child-king with limited power.

Demetrius I Soter ("Savior")

• Reign: 161–150 BCE
• The title "Soter" was granted in recognition of his role as a defender of the empire, particularly against threats posed by internal usurpers and external foes.

Alexander I Balas ("Unknown")

• Reign: 150–145 BCE
• Balas has an unclear meaning, and he was likely a usurper; his lack of a proper Seleucid name reflects his controversial legitimacy.

Demetrius II Nicator ("Victor")

• Reign: 145–139 BCE and 129–126 BCE
• Nicator, meaning "Victor," reflects his achievements in battle, though his reign was tumultuous, including his capture and exile.

Antiochos VI Dionysus ("Dedicated to Dionysus")

• Reign: 145–140 BCE
• Dionysus reflects his role in the Hellenistic cult of Dionysus, though he ruled briefly as a puppet.

Diodotus Tryphon ("The Luxurious" or "The Magnificent")

• Reign: 140–138 BCE
• Tryphon could mean "the Luxurious," reflecting his extravagance and emphasis on wealth, though he was a usurper.

Antiochos VII Euergetes ("Benefactor") or Sidetes ("From Side")

• Reign: 138–129 BCE
• Sidetes, meaning "from Side," referred to his birthplace. He was noted for his attempts to restore Seleucid territory before his death in battle.
• Euergetes meaning "Benefactor" in Greek, this title was likely adopted later in his reign to signify his role as a protector and supporter of his people. Hellenistic rulers often used this title to convey a positive, philanthropic image, indicating that they contributed to the well-being of their subjects, either through military success, public works, or economic relief.

 

Alexander II Zabinas ("the Bought One")

• Reign: 128–123 BCE
• Zabinas, meaning "the Bought One," emerged as a usurper during a time of turmoil, claiming to be the son of Alexander I Balas while actually being a commoner backed by Ptolemy VIII of Egypt. His ascent to power marked a significant challenge to the legitimacy of Demetrius II Nicator, emphasizing the fragmentation of the Seleucid Empire.

Cleopatra Thea (Queen; "Goddess")

• Reign: 126–121 BCE
• Thea, meaning "Goddess," symbolized her status as a royal Seleucid queen and divine figure, though her rule was contentious.

Antiochos VIII Grypos ("Hook-Nosed")

• Reign: 125–96 BCE
• Grypos, meaning "Hook-Nosed," referred to his physical appearance, distinguishing him during a period of internal strife.

Antiochos IX Kyzikenos ("From Cyzicus")

• Reign: 114–96 BCE
• Named after his place of upbringing, Kyzikenos contended with Antiochos VIII, highlighting ongoing dynastic divisions.

Antiochos X Eusebes Philopator ("Pious, Loving Father")

• Reign: 95–92 BCE
• Eusebes Philopator, meaning "Pious, Loving Father," reflects his claimed dedication to family and religious virtue.

Antiochos XI Epiphanes Philadelphus ("God Manifest, Brother-Loving")

• Reign: 95–92 BCE
• Philadelphus, meaning "Brother-Loving," commemorates his alliance with his brother, though his reign was brief and unstable.

Philip I Philadelphus ("Brother-Loving")

• Reign: 95–83 BCE
• Like Antiochos XI, Philip emphasized his familial loyalty, though his rule was overshadowed by the ongoing Seleucid decline.

Demetrius III Eucaerus ("Well-Endowed with Strength")

• Reign: 95–87 BCE
• Eucaerus means "well-endowed with strength," likely a nod to his military capability, though he struggled against internal and external forces.

Antiochos XII Dionysus Epiphanes ("Manifest God, Dedicated to Dionysus")

• Reign: 87–84 BCE
• As "Epiphanes Dionysus," his name reflects the Hellenistic trend of divinizing kings, especially in the cult of Dionysus.

Antiochos XIII Asiaticus ("The Asian")

• Reign: 69–64 BCE
• Asiaticus reflects his association with the eastern territories, ruling under the protection of Rome until the kingdom’s annexation.

Philip II Philoromaeus ("Loving Rome")

• Reign: 65–63 BCE
• Philoromaeus, meaning "Loving Rome," indicates his alliance with Roman powers, marking the Seleucid kingdom’s diminishing independence.

These titles reflect the Seleucid kings' complex relationship with divine and heroic imagery, aiming to project power, piety, or familial allegiance amid turbulent periods.