People > Alexander Balas

Alexander Balas

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Alexander BalasAlexander I Syria-Antiochia face.jpgKing of the Seleucid Empire (King of Syria)Reign150–146 BCPredecessorDemetrius I SoterSuccessorsDemetrius II Nicator or Antiochus VI DionysusQueenCleopatra TheaBornSmyrnaDied146 BCWifeCleopatra TheaIssueAntiochus VI Dionysus (first son with Cleopatra Thea)DynastySeleucidFatherAntiochus IV Epiphanes (unconfirmed)MotherLaodice IV (unconfirmed)Alexander Balas (Ancient Greek: Ἀλέξανδρoς Bάλας), ruler of the Greek Seleucid kingdom in 150–146 BC. Alexande defeated his brother Demetrius Soter for the crown in 150. BC Ruling briefly, he lost the crown to his brother during his defeat at the battle of Antioch (145 BC) in Syria, dying shortly after.Contents [hide]1Biography1.1Early life and reign1.2Final battle and death2See also3Notes4References5Further reading6External linksBiographyEarly life and reignAlexander Balas and Cleopatra Thea.He was a native of Smyrna of humble origin, but gave himself out to be the son of Antiochus IV Epiphanes and Laodice IV and heir to the Seleucid throne. Along with his sister Laodice VI, the youngster Alexander was "discovered" by Heracleides, a former minister of Antiochus IV and brother of Timarchus, an usurper in Media who had been executed by the reigning king Demetrius I Soter.Alexander's claims were recognized by the Roman Senate, Ptolemy Philometor of Egypt and others. He married Cleopatra Thea, a daughter of the Ptolemaic dynasty. At first unsuccessful, Alexander finally defeated Demetrius Soter in 150 BC. Being now master of the empire, he is said to have abandoned himself to a life of debauchery. Whatever the truth behind this, the young king was forced to depend heavily on his Ptolemaic support and even struck portraits with the characteristic features of king Ptolemy I.Final battle and deathSilver coin of Alexander I "Balas". The Greek inscription reads ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΛΕΧΑΝΔΡΟΥ (king Alexander). The date ΓΞΡ is year 163 of the Seleucid era, corresponding to 150–149 BC.Demetrius Soter's son Demetrius II profited by the opportunity to regain the throne. Ptolemy Philometor, who was Alexander's father-in-law, went over to his side, and Alexander was defeated in the battle of Antioch (145 BC) in Syria, sometimes known as the battle of the Oenoparus.He fled for refuge to a Nabataean prince, who murdered him and sent his head to Ptolemy Philometor, who had been mortally wounded in the engagement.See alsoSyria portalList of Syrian monarchsTimeline of Syrian historyNotesJump up ^ Smith, Philip Peter (1867). "Alexander Balas". In William Smith. Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology. 1. Boston: Little, Brown and Company. pp. 114–115.Jump up ^ This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). "Alexander Balas". Encyclopædia Britannica. 1 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press.ReferencesWikisource-logo.svg Maas, Anthony John (1907). "Alexander". In Herbermann, Charles. Catholic Encyclopedia. 1. New York: Robert Appleton Company.Further reading1 Maccabees 10 ff.Justin xxxv. 1 and 2Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews (PACE: Antiquities of the Jews, 13.{{{chap}}}.{{{sec}}} (Whiston).)Appian, Syrian Wars (=Roman History book 11), 67Polybius, The Histories xxxiii. 14.External linksWikimedia Commons has media related to Alexander Balas.Alexander Balas, article in historical sourcebook by Mahlon H. SmithAlexander BalasSeleucid dynastyBorn: Unknown Died: 146 BCPreceded byDemetrius I SoterSeleucid King(King of Syria)150–146 BCSucceeded byDemetrius II Nicator or Antiochus VI Dionysus

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