v49_0299 - SYRIA - SELEUKID KINGDOM - ANTIOCHUS IX CYZICENUS Unité, (PB, Æ 18)

SYRIA - SELEUKID KINGDOM - ANTIOCHUS IX CYZICENUS

(113-95 BC)

First reign

Antiochus IX, the son of Antiochus VII and Cleopatra Thea, was raised in Cyzicus, hence his nickname. His half-brother, Antiochus VIII, tried to assassinate him in 116 BC and the next twenty years were one continuous series of civil wars. Antioch will be taken and retaken four times. Antiochus, who takes the title of king and Philopator (one who loves his father) in 113 BC, married Cleopatra who was murdered by his own sister, Cleopatra Tryphemus, wife of Antiochus VIII. The following year, when he took over Antioch, Antiochus IX had his sister-in-law executed in revenge. A truce is signed the following year; it will last five years. The fratricidal war resumed in 106 BC, Antiochus VIII was assassinated in 96 BC and his eldest son Seleucus VI succeeded him. The following year, Antiochus IX, defeated, kills himself so as not to fall alive into the hands of his nephew, a beautiful family story.