Antiochus II Theos

Antiochus II Theos, born in two hundred eighty-six BC, was a prominent Greek king of the Hellenistic Seleucid Empire. He ascended to the throne following the reign of his father, Antiochus I Soter, during the winter of two hundred sixty-two to two hundred sixty-one BC. As the younger son of Antiochus I and Stratonice, the daughter of Demetrius Poliorcetes, Antiochus II inherited a vast and diverse realm.

Throughout his reign from two hundred sixty-one to two hundred forty-six BC, Antiochus II demonstrated a forceful personality and a commitment to maintaining the integrity of the Seleucid Empire. His leadership was marked by efforts to stabilize and unify the sprawling territories under his control, showcasing his capabilities as a sovereign.

However, his decision to repudiate his first wife, Laodice, in favor of marrying Berenice, a Ptolemaic princess, as part of a peace treaty, would have lasting repercussions. This choice ignited a succession struggle that erupted after his death, ultimately shaking the foundations of the empire and leading to significant territorial losses.