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.
| Antiochus VI Dionysus | |
|---|---|
 Coin of Antiochus VI Dionysus, Apamea mint | |
| King of the Seleucid Empire | |
| Reign | Seleucid kingdom: 145 or in early 144 BC - 142/1 BC |
| Coronation | Never officially held power, in opposition of King Demetrius II Nicator |
| Predecessor | Alexander I Balas |
| Successor | Diodotus Tryphon |
| Regent | Diodotus Tryphon |
| Born | 148 BC |
| Died | 142/1 BC (aged 7-9) |
| Father | Alexander Balas |
| Mother | Cleopatra Thea |
Biography
editAntiochus 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]
See also
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References
editSchürer, 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- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Makk. 13.31; Diod. Sic. 33.28; App. Syr. 68. 357; Iust. 36.1.7.; Oros. 5.4.18.
- ^ Ios. Ant. 13. 218; Liv. per. 55.
External links
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- Antiochus VI entry in the historical sourcebook by Mahlon H. Smith