Antiochos II Theos, Bronze Unit

Includes glass top display box.

Obverse: Laureate head of Apollo right

Reverse: BAΣIΛEΩΣ ANTIOXOY, to right and left of tripod

Antiochus II Theos (286 – July 246 BC) was a Greek king of the Hellenistic Seleucid Empire who ruled from 261 to 246 BC. He was the younger son of Antiochus I and princess Stratonice, the daughter of Demetrius Poliorcetes. Antiochus II inherited the throne after his father, Antiochus I Soter, in the winter of 262–61 BC. Throughout his reign, he managed to largely maintain the vast Seleucid realm. However, his decision to divorce his first wife, Laodice, and marry a Ptolemaic princess named Berenice led to a succession struggle after his death, resulting in significant territorial losses for the empire.

During his reign, Antiochus II faced tensions with Ptolemaic Egypt, leading to the Second Syrian War. He made some territorial gains in Asia Minor and even assumed the title "Theos" (Greek for "God") after defeating the tyrant Timarchus in Miletus. The war ended with Antiochus II divorcing Laodice and marrying Ptolemy II's daughter, Berenice, with the agreement that their offspring would inherit the Seleucid throne. However, after Antiochus II's sudden death, which many believed was due to poisoning by Laodice, a succession struggle ensued. Berenice and her son were murdered, leading to further conflicts known as the Third Syrian War.

In terms of eastern affairs, Antiochus II's activities in the eastern Upper Satrapies, such as Media, Parthia, Bactria, or Persis, are not well-documented. He appointed independent-minded satraps like Diodotus and Andragoras, which eventually led to the formation of the independent Greco-Bactrian Kingdom and the Parthian Empire.

All purchases include a Certificate of Authenticity. You will receive the exact item in the photos.