Seleucus IV Philopator (Greek: Σέλευκος Δ' Φιλοπάτωρ), ruler of the Hellenistic Seleucid Empire, reigned from 187 BC to 175 BC over a realm consisting of Syria (now including Cilicia and Judea), Mesopotamia, Babylonia and Nearer Iran (Media and
He was compelled by financial necessities, created in part by the heavy war-indemnity exacted by Rome, to pursue an ambitious policy. In an effort to collect money to pay the Romans, he sent his minister Heliodorus to Jerusalem to seize the temple treasury. On his return, Heliodorus assassinated Seleucus, and seized the throne for himself.
The true heir Demetrius, son of Seleucus, now being retained in Rome as a hostage, the kingdom was seized by the younger brother of Seleucus, Antiochus IV Epiphanes, who managed to oust Heliodorus, even though an infant son, also named Antiochus, was formal head of state for a few years until Epiphanes had him murdered.
External links
- Seleucus IV Philopator entry in historical sourcebook by Mahlon H. Smith
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Seleucus IV Philopator
Born: Unknown Died: 175 BC |
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| Preceded by Antiochus III the Great |
Seleucid King 187–175 BC |
Succeeded by Antiochus IV Epiphanes |
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