Antiochus VI Dionysus

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Antiochus VI Dionysus
Coin of Antiochus VI Dionysus, Apamea mint
King of the Seleucid Empire
(King of Syria)
ReignSeleucid kingdom: 145 or in early 144 BC - 142/1 BC
CoronationNever officially held power, in opposition of King Demetrius II Nicator
PredecessorAlexander I Balas
SuccessorDiodotus Tryphon
RegentDiodotus Tryphon
Born148 BC
Died142/1 BC (aged 7-9)
FatherAlexander Balas
MotherCleopatra Thea

Antiochus VI Dionysus (c. 148–142/1 BC), king of the Hellenistic Seleucid kingdom, was the son of Alexander Balas and Cleopatra Thea, daughter of Ptolemy VI of Egypt.

Biography[edit]

Antiochus VI did not actually rule. Either already in 145 or in early 144 BC he was nominated by the general Diodotus Tryphon as heir to the throne in opposition to Demetrius II, and remained the general's tool.[1] In c. 142/141 BC, the young king died.[2] While some ancient authors make Diodotus Tryphon responsible for the death of the king,[3] others write that he died during a surgery.[4]

Coin of Antiochus VI. The reverse shows Castor and Polydeuces on horseback. The Greek inscription reads ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΝΤΙΟΧΟΥ (king Antiochus). The date ΘΞΡ is 169 of the Seleucid era, corresponding to 144–143 BC.

See also[edit]

References[edit]

Schürer, E. (1973). A History of the Jewish People in the Age of Jesus Christ (175 BC- AD 135) (Revised and Edited by G. Vermes and F. Millar ed.). Edinburgh. pp. 183–197.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)

Footnotes[edit]

  1. ^ The first coins of the king are dated to the year 144 BC Houghton, Arthur (1992). "The Revolt of Tryphon and the accession of Antiochos VI at Apamea". SNR. 71: 119–41.
  2. ^ The last coinage of Antiochos VI is dated to the year 142/141 BC, see Houghton, Arthur, Lorber, Catherine C, Hoover, Oliver D. (2008), Seleucid Coins: A comprehensive catalogue, Part II: Seleucus IV to Antiochus XIII, 2 Vols, New York/Lancaster PA, Nr. 2020; 2022.3; 2026.
  3. ^ Makk. 13.31; Diod. Sic. 33.28; App. Syr. 68. 357; Iust. 36.1.7.; Oros. 5.4.18.
  4. ^ Ios. Ant. 13. 218; Liv. per. 55.

External links[edit]

  • Antiochus VI entry in historical sourcebook by Mahlon H. Smith
Antiochus VI Dionysus
Born: 148 BC Died: 142/1 BC
Preceded by Seleucid King (King of Syria)
145–142 BC
with Demetrius II Nicator (145–138 BC)
Diodotus Tryphon (co-regent)
Succeeded by