v49_0295 - SYRIA - SELEUKID KINGDOM - DEMETRIUS I SOTER Dichalque (PB, Æ 20)

SYRIA - SELEUKID KINGDOM - DEMETRIUS I SOTER

(162-150 BC)

Demetrius I Soter is the eldest son of Seleucus IV Philopator (187-175 AC.). He was a hostage of the Romans, under the Treaty of Apamea signed in 188 BC, when his father died in 175 BC. On the death of his uncle, Antiochus IV Epiphanes (175-164 AC .), the Romans freed their cumbersome hostage. Demetrius then quickly triumphed over his cousin Antiochus V Eupator (164-162 AC.) who had shut himself up in Antioch and who was assassinated after two years of reign. Demetrius then had to triumph over Timarch who had succeeded Antiochus V in 162 AC. After twelve years of reign, Demetrius was killed fighting the troops of Alexander Balas (150-145 AC.), who claimed to be the son of Antiochus IV. At his death, Demetrius left a minor son, Demetrius II, who had to fight against Antiochus VI Dionysus..