Antiochus III the Great

Antiochus III inherited a Seleucid realm weakened by internal rebellion and territorial losses. During a long reign he campaigned across the eastern provinces, reasserted authority over much of the empire, and earned the epithet 'the Great.' Of particular importance for Jewish history was his prolonged conflict with Ptolemaic Egypt over Coele-Syria and Palestine. After earlier setbacks, Antiochus defeated Ptolemaic forces at Panium around 200 BC, and Judea passed from Ptolemaic to Seleucid control. Jewish sources preserve a generally favorable memory of his initial policy toward Jerusalem, including recognition of traditional religious practices and privileges. Antiochus later became involved in western Asia Minor and Greece, bringing him into conflict with the expanding Roman Republic. Roman forces defeated him decisively at Magnesia in 190 BC. The subsequent Treaty of Apamea stripped the Seleucid kingdom of territory in Asia Minor, limited its military power, and imposed a very large indemnity. Antiochus died in 187 BC while attempting to obtain resources in the east. The financial and political pressures inherited by his successors contributed to the instability of the Seleucid state.