Parthian Empire

Decline of the Seleucid Empire
Parthian soldiers shooting on there enemies ©Image Attribution forthcoming. Image belongs to the respective owner(s).
129 BCE Jan 1

Decline of the Seleucid Empire

Ecbatana, Hamadan Province, Ir

Antiochus VII Sidetes, a brother of Demetrius, assumed the Seleucid throne and married the latter's wife Cleopatra Thea. After defeating Diodotus Tryphon, Antiochus initiated a campaign in 130 BCE to retake Mesopotamia, now under the rule of Phraates II (r. c. 132–127 BCE). The Parthian general Indates was defeated along the Great Zab, followed by a local uprising where the Parthian governor of Babylonia was killed. Antiochus conquered Babylonia and occupied Susa, where he minted coins. After advancing his army into Media, the Parthians pushed for peace, which Antiochus refused to accept unless the Arsacids relinquished all lands to him except Parthia proper, paid heavy tribute, and released Demetrius from captivity. Arsaces released Demetrius and sent him to Syria, but refused the other demands. By spring 129 BCE, the Medes were in open revolt against Antiochus, whose army had exhausted the resources of the countryside during winter. While attempting to put down the revolts, the main Parthian force swept into the region and killed Antiochus at the Battle of Ecbatana in 129 BCE. His body was sent back to Syria in a silver coffin; his son Seleucus was made a Parthian hostage and a daughter joined Phraates' harem.

Last Updated: Mon Jan 08 2024

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