Etazeta of Bithynia facts for kids

Etazeta (Greek: Εταζέτα; lived around 255 BC – 254 BC) was an important queen in ancient Bithynia. She was the second wife of King Nicomedes I. After her husband's death, she ruled Bithynia for a short time.

Etazeta's Story

Etazeta was a very determined woman. She convinced her husband, King Nicomedes I, to change his mind about who would rule after him. Instead of his older sons from his first marriage, she wanted her own young children to become king.

Since her children with Nicomedes were still very young, the king wanted to make sure they would be safe and could rule when they grew up. He asked powerful rulers like Ptolemy II of Egypt and Antigonus II of Macedon to protect his young children. He also asked important cities like Byzantium, Heraclea, and Cius to help look after them.

The Fight for the Throne

When King Nicomedes I died around 255 BC, Etazeta began to rule Bithynia. She ruled on behalf of her very young sons. However, Nicomedes' oldest son, Ziaelas, did not agree with his father's decision. He believed he should be the next king.

Ziaelas started a war against his stepmother, Etazeta, to take control of the kingdom. Etazeta tried to fight back and even married her late husband's brother to gain more support. But around 254 BC, Ziaelas won. Etazeta was removed from power and had to leave Bithynia. She fled to Macedon with her sons.

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