Bible Dictionary
ANTIOCHUS I
Antiochus I, surnamed Soter, was the son of Seleucus Nicator and ruler of the Syrian kingdom from 281 to 261 BC. He fought in Asia Minor and received the title “Deliverer” after victories over the Gauls.
Definition
Antiochus I, surnamed Soter, was the son of Seleucus Nicator and ruler of the Syrian kingdom. He received the surname “Deliverer” after victories over the Gauls in Asia Minor.
Historical Background
Antiochus ruled from 281 to 261 BC. He had earlier received authority over the countries beyond the Euphrates and became ruler of the Syrian kingdom after Seleucus was murdered. He died in battle against the Gauls.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>an-ti'-o-kus (Antiochos Soter, "savior"): born 323 BC; died 261, son of Seleucus Nicator. He fell in love with his stepmother, Stratonike, and became very ill. His father, when he discovered the cause of his son's illness, gave her to him in 293, and yielded to him the sovereignty over all the countries beyond the Euphrates, as well as the title of king. When Seleucus returned to Macedonia in 281, he was murdered by Ptolemeus Ceraunus. Antiochus thus became ruler of the whole Syrian kingdom. He waged war on Eumenes of Pergamum, but without success. For the victories of his elephant corps over the Gauls, who had settled in Asia Minor, he received the surname of Soter ("Deliverer"). It was in a battle with these inveterate foes of his country that he met his death (261 BC). See also SELEUCIDAE.</p><p>J. E. Harry</p>