Antiochus VI Dionysus

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Antiochus VI Dionysus (Template:Circa 148–142/1 BC), king of the Hellenistic Seleucid kingdom, was the son of Alexander Balas and Cleopatra Thea, daughter of Ptolemy VI of Egypt.

Biography

Antiochus VI did not actually rule. Either already in 145 or in early 144 BC he was nominated by the general Diodotus Tryphon as heir to the throne in opposition to Demetrius II, and remained the general's tool.<ref>The first coins of the king are dated to the year 144 BC Template:Cite journal</ref> In c. 142/141 BC, the young king died.<ref>The last coinage of Antiochos VI is dated to the year 142/141 BC, see Houghton, Arthur, Lorber, Catherine C, Hoover, Oliver D. (2008), Seleucid Coins: A comprehensive catalogue, Part II: Seleucus IV to Antiochus XIII, 2 Vols, New York/Lancaster PA, Nr. 2020; 2022.3; 2026.</ref> While some ancient authors make Diodotus Tryphon responsible for the death of the king,<ref>Makk. 13.31; Diod. Sic. 33.28; App. Syr. 68. 357; Iust. 36.1.7.; Oros. 5.4.18.</ref> others write that he died during a surgery.<ref>Ios. Ant. 13. 218; Liv. per. 55.</ref>

File:AntiochusVI.jpg

Coin of Antiochus VI. The reverse shows Castor and Polydeuces on horseback. The Greek inscription reads ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΝΤΙΟΧΟΥ (king Antiochus). The date ΘΞΡ is 169 of the Seleucid era, corresponding to 144–143 BC.

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