People > Antiochus II Theos

Antiochus II Theos

Background

Antiochus II Theos was the ruler of the Seleucid Empire from 261 BC to 246 BC. His reign was marked by significant conflicts, particularly with the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, and internal political turmoil. Here's a detailed overview of his life and reign:

Early Life and Ascension

• Birth and Background: Antiochus II Theos was born around 286 BC, the son of Antiochus I Soter and Stratonice of Syria. He was a member of the Seleucid dynasty, which was one of the successor states of Alexander the Great's empire.
• Accession to the Throne: Antiochus II ascended to the throne in 261 BC following the death of his father, Antiochus I. His epithet "Theos," meaning "God," reflects the Hellenistic practice of deifying rulers.

Reign and Major Events

• Second Syrian War (260-253 BC): One of the most significant conflicts during Antiochus II's reign was the Second Syrian War against Ptolemy II Philadelphus of Egypt. The war was part of the ongoing struggle for control over Coele-Syria, a region of strategic importance.

  • Conflict and Outcomes: The war saw several battles and territorial exchanges, with Antiochus achieving some successes, including recapturing parts of the Seleucid territories previously lost to the Ptolemies. However, the war ended without a decisive victory for either side.
  • Marriage to Berenice Syra: As part of the peace agreement, Antiochus II divorced his first wife, Laodice I, and married Berenice Syra, the daughter of Ptolemy II. This marriage was intended to cement the peace between the Seleucid and Ptolemaic kingdoms.

• Internal Affairs and Turmoil: Antiochus II's reign was also marked by internal political struggles and unrest.

  • Restoration of Cities: He was known for restoring and granting privileges to several Greek cities in Asia Minor and the Levant, which earned him favor among his Greek subjects.
  • Religious Policies: Antiochus II, like other Hellenistic rulers, promoted the syncretic blending of Greek and local religious practices, further consolidating his rule over a culturally diverse empire.

• Return to Laodice: After the death of Ptolemy II in 246 BC, Antiochus II returned to his first wife, Laodice. This decision led to significant political repercussions.

  • Death and Succession Crisis: Shortly after reuniting with Laodice, Antiochus II died under mysterious circumstances, possibly poisoned by Laodice. His death triggered a succession crisis and a renewed conflict between Laodice's supporters and those of Berenice.

Legacy and Succession

• Laodice and the Third Syrian War: Following Antiochus II's death, Laodice claimed the throne for her son, Seleucus II Callinicus, while Berenice sought to secure the throne for her own infant son. This dispute led to the outbreak of the Third Syrian War, also known as the Laodicean War.
• Impact on the Seleucid Empire: The internal strife and external conflicts during Antiochus II's reign weakened the Seleucid Empire, setting the stage for further instability and challenges in the subsequent years.
• Cultural and Religious Influence: Despite the political turmoil, Antiochus II's efforts to restore cities and promote cultural integration had a lasting impact on the regions under his control, contributing to the Hellenistic cultural and religious landscape.

Conclusion

Antiochus II Theos's reign was a period of significant conflict and political maneuvering, both within the Seleucid Empire and in its relations with neighboring powers like the Ptolemaic Kingdom. His efforts to strengthen his rule through marriage alliances and city restorations were ultimately overshadowed by the succession crisis and the wars that followed his death. Nevertheless, his reign remains a notable chapter in the history of the Hellenistic world, reflecting the complexities and challenges faced by the successors of Alexander the Great.

Sources

Dr. Jordan Iliev. "The Campaign of Antiochus II Theos in Thrace" - History Studies. International Journal of History, 2013, 5/1, pp. 211-222.

Appianus, Syriaca, 65.

In Athenaeum x.438c, also in Aelian, Various Histories, ii.41.

The Mausoleum of Antiochus II Theos

Biographical information on Antiochus II Theos

Jarl Charpentier, "Antiochus, King of the Yavanas" Bulletin of the School of Oriental Studies, University of London 6.2 (1931: 303-321) argues that the Antiochus mentioned was unlikely to be Antiochus II, during whose time relations with India were broken by the Parthian intrusion and the independence of Diodotus in Bactria, and suggests instead the half-Iranian Antiochus I, with stronger connections in the East.

Translation of Jarl Charpentier 1931:303-321.

Edicts of Ashoka, 2nd Rock Edict.

Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). "Seleucid Dynasty". Encyclopædia Britannica (11th ed.). Cambridge.

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