The War of Brothers | Seleucid Empire Civil War | Ancient History Documentary
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 ก.พ. 2025
- The War of the Brothers, a sibling conflict within the Seleucid Empire, marks a significant turning point in the empire's decline. The Seleucid Empire, founded by Seleucus I after Alexander the Great’s empire fragmented, faced internal and external challenges during the 3rd century BC. After Seleucus II ascended the throne in 246 BC, his young age and reliance on his mother, Laodice, made his position vulnerable. His younger brother, Antiochus, eager for power, was appointed governor of Asia Minor after a dispute, setting up a future confrontation.
Seleucus faced internal revolts and conflict with Ptolemaic Egypt. While he cautiously tried to consolidate power, Antiochus gathered allies, including the Galatians, known for their mercenary strength, and formed an alliance with Mithridates II of Pontus through marriage. In 239 BC, Antiochus openly rebelled, declaring independence in Asia Minor. Seleucus responded by leading a campaign into the region, resulting in a standoff. Unable to capture Sardis, Seleucus redirected his forces to confront the Galatians, who were crucial to Antiochus' support. However, the Galatians, backed by Mithridates, crushed Seleucus’ forces at the Battle of Ancyra, leaving him nearly defeated.
Seleucus narrowly escaped with a handful of followers, even shedding his royal attire to blend in as a commoner. Rumors of his death spread, prompting Antiochus to celebrate his supposed victory. Yet, Seleucus was alive, and after regaining his composure, he began rebuilding his forces. Meanwhile, Antiochus faced challenges from ambitious neighbors. Ptolemy Euergetes of Egypt supplied Antiochus with troops, hoping to keep the Seleucids embroiled in conflict, thus weakening their power. Antiochus also married into the Bithynian royal family, strengthening his alliances. However, the rise of Attalus I of Pergamon complicated the situation. Seeing an opportunity, Attalus defeated the Galatians, enhancing his power.
Seleucus took advantage of Antiochus’ distractions to rebuild and plan his counterattack. With a renewed army, he reclaimed some lost territories and pressed eastward into Parthia, asserting control over rebellious regions. However, Antiochus' situation deteriorated as Attalus launched a successful campaign in Asia Minor, eroding Antiochus' power base. The situation grew desperate for Antiochus, who sought support from the Armenian king, Arsames, only to be rebuffed as Arsames held no loyalty to him.
Antiochus' final attempts at asylum failed. After seeking refuge with various rulers, he eventually landed in Ptolemaic-controlled Thrace. However, Ptolemy saw no benefit in supporting a defeated claimant and imprisoned him. After a failed escape attempt, Antiochus was captured by Gallic bandits and ultimately killed.
With Antiochus' death, Seleucus became the sole ruler, but the war had left the Seleucid Empire weakened and vulnerable. Attalus of Pergamon emerged as a dominant regional power, and the Ptolemies continued to press at the empire's Syrian borders. Though Seleucus had won the war, the once-mighty Seleucid Empire was significantly weakened, setting the stage for further decline.
SOURCES:
www.worldhisto...
www.britannica...
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MUSIC : by Alexander Nakarada
Music: by Alexander Nakarada (www.serpentsoundstudios.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons BY Attribution 4.0 License
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Diadochi era was so insane and eventful. And so unknown these days. Keep up the great work.
Love your videos 😊
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HE HAS RETURNED!!!
Have really missed starting my day with these videos
What is your take on carthaginians
@@simon10135 a very interesting civilization... I have some stuff in my library on them..
I just realized this looks a little like im a bot lok
@@simon10135 an interesting civilization ive had he pleasure of studying and have some stuff in my personal libary on them
@@theromanorder Yea it does lol
I love how unique your content is.
I like the hairstyle 👌
I was there when it happened and i can confirm it happen this way
thank you for your service
What was your job then?
@@sawhtoo6778 Cant remember it was long time ago
in short: The Galatians are perfectly trustworthy in every way
Nice video
This is Great!
nice video, a bit longer than usual i see
Totally destructive war that accomplishes exactly nothing, my favourite kind