Antiochus V Eupator facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Antiochus V Eupator |
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Silver tetradrachm of Antiochos V Eupator, minted in Antioch, featuring a portrait of Antiochos on the obverse. SC 1575.11
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| Basileus of the Seleucid Empire | |
| Reign | November/December 164 – 161 BC |
| Predecessor | Antiochus IV Epiphanes |
| Successor | Demetrius I Soter |
| Regent | General Lysias |
| Born | c. 172 BC |
| Died | 161 BC (aged 10 or 11) |
| Dynasty | Seleucid |
| Father | Antiochus IV Epiphanes |
| Mother | Laodice IV |
Antiochus V Eupator (whose nickname meant "from a good father") was a young ruler of the Greek Seleucid Empire. He was king from late 164 BC to 161 BC. He became king when he was only about nine years old.
The Roman Senate (a powerful group in Rome) chose him to be king. His main helper was General Lysias, who acted as a regent. A regent is like a temporary ruler who helps a young king until he is old enough to rule by himself.
About Antiochus V
Becoming King
Antiochus V was just nine years old when he became king. This happened after his father, Antiochus IV Epiphanes, died in Persia. His mother was Laodice IV.
General Lysias was in charge of the area called Syria. He became the regent for the young king. Other generals also wanted power, so Lysias faced challenges.
The Romans had another person, Demetrius I Soter, as a hostage. Demetrius was the rightful heir to the throne. But the Romans preferred a young boy and his regent to rule Syria. They thought this would keep Syria weaker.
His Time as King
Early in Antiochus V's rule, the Syrians tried to stop a rebellion. This was the Maccabean Revolt in Judea. They won a battle called Beth-Zecharia.
After this battle, Lysias heard that another general named Philip was coming back. Philip had been with Antiochus V's father. He was bringing another part of the Seleucid army.
Lysias felt threatened by Philip. So, he told Antiochus V to offer peace to the Jews. The Jews accepted the peace offer. However, the king and regent broke their promise. They tore down the walls of Jerusalem before they left.
When they returned to their capital city, Antioch, Philip was in control. But Lysias and Antiochus V defeated him. They took back their city and kingdom.
End of His Rule
The Roman Senate found out that the Syrian kingdom had too many warships and elephants. This was against a peace agreement called the Treaty of Apamea from 188 BC.
The Romans sent people to Syria. They tried to weaken the Seleucid army. They sank warships and hurt elephants so they couldn't be used. Lysias did not try to stop the Romans.
His own people were very angry about this. A Roman official was killed in Laodicea in 162 BC.
Around this time, Demetrius escaped from Rome. When he arrived in Syria, people welcomed him as the true king. Antiochus V Eupator was soon killed. His protector, Lysias, was also put to death.
See also
- List of Syrian monarchs
