Alexander Bales, King of Syria

Other Events and Attributes:

• General Information: Alexander Balas was neither popular, nor an efficient ruler. His reign marks the beginning of the disintegration of the Seleucid realm, with important eastern satrapies such as Media being lost to the nascent Parthian Empire. His full name was Alexander I Theopator Euergetes, surnamed Balas.
• Parents: Alexander Balas claimed to be the son of Antiochus IV Epiphanes and Laodice IV and heir to the Seleucid throne. The ancient sources, Polybius and Diodorus say that this claim was false and that he and his sister Laodice VI were really natives of Smyrna of humble origin.[2] Modern scholars disagree about whether this is true or was propaganda put about by Alexander's opponents.
• History: 150 BCE to 145 BCE
• Last Full Review: 13 Jul 2021

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History:
150 BCE - Alexander defeated Demetrius I Soter for the crown in 150 BC.

145 BCE - He lost the crown to Demetrius II Nicator during his defeat at the Battle of Antioch (145 BC) in Syria, dying shortly after.

Died:
Alexander Balas died in battle against Demetrius II of Syria.

Alexander married Cleopatra Thea about 150 BCE. Cleopatra (daughter of Pharaoh Ptolemy VI Philometor and Cleopatra II) was born about 164 BCE; died in 121 BCE. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. Antiochus VI Dionysus