Antiochus The Great

by Michael Taylor

Overview

A teenage king in 223 BC, Antiochus III inherited an empire in shambles, ravaged by civil strife and eroded by territorial secessions. He proved himself a true heir of Alexander: he defeated rebel armies and embarked on a campaign of conquest and reunification. Although repulsed by Ptolemy IV at the Battle of Raphia, his eastern campaigns reaffirmed Seleucid hegemony as far as modern Afghanistan and Pakistan. Returning westward, he defeated Ptolemy V at Panion (200 BC) and succeeded in adding 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. His expeditionary force was crushed at Thermopylae and evacuated. Refusing to bow before Roman demands, Antiochus energetically mobilized against Roman invasion, but was again decisively defeated at the epic battle of Magnesia. Despite the loss of territory and prestige enshrined in the subsequent Peace of Apamea, Antiochus III left the Seleucid Empire in far better condition than he found it. Although sometimes presented as a failure against the unstoppable might of Rome, Antiochus III must rank as one of the most energetic and effective rulers of the Ancient world.

In addition to discussing the career of Antiochus III, Michael Taylor examines Seleucid military organization and royal administration.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781848844636
Publisher:	Pen and Sword
Publication date:	12/03/2013
Pages:	192
Sales rank:	735,337
Product dimensions:	6.20(w) x 9.30(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Michael Taylor earned his PhD in Ancient History from the University of California, Berkeley, and currently teaches at the University at Albany, Suny. He is also the author of Soldiers and Silver: Mobilizing Resources in the Age of Roman Conquest.

Table of Contents

Abbreviations vi

Maps viii

Preface xvi

Introduction xvii

Chapter 1 The Seleucid Empire 1

Chapter 2 The War with Molon 25

Chapter 3 Seleucid Institutions 41

Chapter 4 The Battle of Raphia 56

Chapter 5 The Defeat of Achaeus 65

Chapter 6 The Anabasis 72

Chapter 7 Brave New World 87

Chapter 8 The Roman War 115

Chapter 9 The Battle of Magnesia 135

Chapter 10 The End of a Dynasty 152

Appendix I Dynasties of the Hellenistic World (to c.150bc) 161

Appendix II Children of Antiochus III 163

Appendix III Seleucid Timeline to 187 BC 165

Appendix IV International Timeline: 220-187 BC 167

Notes 168

Selected Bibliography 184

Index 188

Editorial Reviews

"... full of events ...the author narrates in a compelling style...wealth of informational aspects

Bryn Mawr Classical Review

"an excellent work for anyone interested in ancient history; informative, lively, and quite readable."

The NYMAS Review

"...very interesting reading about a man who declared himself the champion of Greek freedom against Roman domination, only to be defeated. "

Toy Solder & Model Figure

"Antiochus the Great is a fine book for those interested in being introduced to Antiochus the Great and this era in Middle East history."

Res Militares