The Seleucid Empire was a Hellenistic state ruled by the Seleucid dynasty, which existed from 312 BC to 63 BC; it was founded by Seleucus I Nicator following the division of the Macedonian empire vastly expanded by Alexander the Great.
The Seleucid Empire was a major center of Hellenistic culture that maintained the preeminence of Greek customs where a Greek political elite dominated, mostly in the urban areas. The Greek population of the cities who formed the dominant elite were reinforced by immigration from Greece.
The Seleucid Empire eventually clashed with the Roman Republic, and following a series of defeats was reduced to a minor state around the capital of Antioch. By 63 BC, Pompey the Great did away with the sad remains and created the Roman province of Syria instead.
The Seleucid Empire was a major center of Hellenistic culture that maintained the preeminence of Greek customs where a Greek political elite dominated, mostly in the urban areas. The Greek population of the cities who formed the dominant elite were reinforced by immigration from Greece.
The Seleucid Empire eventually clashed with the Roman Republic, and following a series of defeats was reduced to a minor state around the capital of Antioch. By 63 BC, Pompey the Great did away with the sad remains and created the Roman province of Syria instead.
(1)
Antiochus II
261-256 BC
Obverse:
Diademed head of Antiochus I right
Reverse:
Apollo seated on omphalos left, holding arrow and bow; BAΣIΛEΩΣ // ANT_IOXOY, (HYP)_(ΠΩA)
(2)
Antiochus VII
138-129 BC
Obverse:
Diademed head right
Reverse:
ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΝΤΙΟΧΟΥ EYEPΓETOY / Nike advancing left holding wreath; monogram in outer left field
(3)
Seleukos I
290-281 BC
Obverse:
Winged head of Medusa right, locks of snake-hair protruding from forehead
Reverse:
BASILEWS / SELEYKOY, bull butting right, uncertain control monogram between hind legs
(4)
Seleukos I
296-280 BC
AE
unit
Seleucia on Tigris
Obverse:
Horned and bridled head of horse right
Reverse:
Anchor, BAΣIΛEΩΣ // ΣEΛEYKOY, monogram
(5)
Seleukos I
311-300 BC
Obverse:
Head of Herakles right, wearing lion's skin
Reverse:
BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ, Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; monogram in wreath in left field, HP monogram below throne.
(6)
Seleukos I
312-281 BC
Obverse:
Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin.
Reverse:
Nike advancing right; A to right.