Antiochus The Great

Antiochus III inherited a troubled empire and successfully reunified it through conquest and reunification campaigns. He challenged Roman power but was defeated at Thermopylae and Magnesia. Despite the loss of territory, he left the Seleucid Empire in better condition than he found it and is considered one of the most energetic and effective rulers of the Ancient world.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 09 November 2021
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

In 223 BC, Antiochus III, a teenage king, inherited an empire in shambles, ravaged by civil strife and eroded by territorial secessions. Despite facing opposition from Ptolemy IV at the Battle of Raphia, he successfully defeated rebel armies and embarked on a campaign of conquest and reunification. His eastern campaigns reaffirmed Seleucid hegemony as far as modern Afghanistan and Pakistan. He also defeated Ptolemy V at Panion (200 BC) and successfully added Koile Syria to the Seleucid realm. At the height of his powers, he challenged growing Roman power, unimpressed by their recent successes against Carthage and Macedon. However, his expeditionary force was crushed at Thermopylae, and he was evacuated. Undeterred, Antiochus energetically mobilized against the Roman invasion but was decisively defeated at the epic battle of Magnesia. Despite the loss of territory and prestige, he left the Seleucid Empire in far better condition than he found it. Antiochus III's career is often portrayed as a failure against the unstoppable might of Rome, but he must be recognized as one of the most energetic and effective rulers of the ancient world. In addition to discussing Antiochus III's career, Michael Taylor examines the Seleucid military organization and royal administration, providing valuable insights into the complex dynamics of this ancient empire.

Weight: 362g
Dimension: 156 x 233 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399085243