Seleucid Empire | Seleukos III | Æ Chalkon | 226-223 BC
Seleucid Empire | Seleukos III | Æ Chalkon | 226-223 BC
Civilization: Seleucid Empire
Ruler: Seleukos III Keraunos
Mint: Antioch
Year: 226 - 223 BC
Composition: Bronze
Denomination: Chalkon
Diameter: 16.9mm
Weight: 3.37g
Reference:
Obverse
Reverse
History
Seleukos III Keraunos reigned over the Seleucid Empire briefly from 225 to 223 BCE, during a time of ongoing instability. Known as "Keraunos," meaning "Thunderbolt," he attempted to restore control over territories lost in Asia Minor, focusing on reclaiming regions held by his uncle, Antiochus Hierax. Seleukos III launched a campaign to strengthen Seleucid influence in Asia Minor, but his efforts were cut short by his assassination during a military expedition in Anatolia. His reign, though ambitious, was marked by limited success and internal challenges that hindered the empire’s recovery. Seleukos III’s untimely death left the Seleucid throne to his younger brother, Antiochus III, who would inherit an empire in need of restoration.