Seleucus
d. 280 BC
Seleucus was the son of Antiochus, one of Alexander's generals. Although he was a young man at the time
of the death of Alexander, he later became one of the most important figures in the
wars of the Diodochi. He ended up founding the Seleucid Dynasty in Syria and Asia, whose major figures
include Antiochus III (the Great), and Antiochus V (Eupator). He also founded several cities in the
east, many of them named Seleucia or Antioch.
 |
EASTERN EMPIRES |
Seluecus was a young man during Alexander's Conquests, and
after the Death of Alexander, he served as an aide to Perdiccas. After Perdiccas led an expedition to Egypt,
Seleucus conspired to have him assassinated, and was given the Satrapy of Babylon as a reward, during the
"Second Partition" in 321
B.
C.. He remained as Satrap of Babylon, until
Antigonus rose to power five years later, at which time
he fled to Egypt to serve Ptolemy. During the
Third War of the Diodochi,
in which Ptolemy, allied
with Lysimachus and Cassander, drove Antiochus out of Syria, Seleucus returned as
Satrap of Babylon in 311
B.
C..
Over the next seven years he won control of much more territory to the east, extending his region from
Babylon, to the Indus River. He declared himself King in 305, when the royal heirs were assassinated, and
after the Battle of Ipsus, gained a great deal of territory in Syria formerly controlled by his
enemy Antigonus.
During the next few decades he founded many cities in the Seleucid Empire, and consolidated his
power. Finally an opportunity (involving palace intrigue) arose to do battle with Lysimachus, who
controlled Macedonia, Thrace, and much of Asia Minor. At the age of 81, he met and conquered his
ancient rival, at the battle of Corupedium. But before he could consolidate these great regions
under his empire, he was assasinated by Ptolemy Karaunos, the brother of Ptolemy II. The assassine
attempted to gain control of the empire of Lysimachus for himself, but was himself, killed
shortly thereafter.
Key events during the life of Seleucus I:
Year |
Event |
326 BC |
Accompanied Alexander on the Indian campaign. |
323 BC |
Aide to Perdiccas, after the Death of Alexander. |
321 BC |
Cooperated in the murder of Perdiccas. Granted Satrapy of Babylon |
316 BC |
Driven from Babylon by Antigonus after the Second War of the Diodochi. |
312 BC |
Restored to Satrapy of Babylon after the Third War of the Diodochi. |
|
Increased control of a broad region of southern Asia, extending to Indus River. |
305 BC |
Declared himself king, upon the death of the Royal heirs. |
302 BC |
After the Battle of Ipsus, Syria was added to his domain. |
300 BC |
Married Stratonice, the daughter of his rival Demetrius. |
293 BC |
Antiochus I, the eldest son of Seleucus, takes over administration of Syria. |
281 BC |
Defeats Lysimachus at the battle of Corupedium, but is then killed Ptolemy Ceraunus. |
Other Resources
Story Links | Book Links |
Battle of Ipsus in |
The Story of the Greeks by H. A. Guerber |
Contemporary |
Short Biography |
Perdiccas |
Took over the empire of Alexander at his death, but couldn't keep it. |
Ptolemy I |
General of Alexander, founded Egyptian Dynasty that lasted for 300 years. |
Ptolemy Ceraunus |
Deposed monarch of Egypt, murdered Seleucus, and attempted to take kingdom of Lysimachus. |
Antigonus I |
Allied with Antipater and Ptolemy I in early Diadochi Wars. Won control of Asia Minor and Syria. |
Lysimachus |
Bodyguard of Alexander. Took control of Thrace on his death. Engaged in Wars of Diadochi. |