Hellenistic World

Seleucid Dynasty

A dynasty founded by Seleucus I Nicator that ruled from 312–63 BCE.

Seleucus I Nicator

Founder of the Seleucid dynasty who ruled from 312–281 BCE.

Antiochus I Soter

Seleucid king who ruled from 281–261 BCE.

Antiochus II

Ruler of the Seleucid Empire from 261–246 BCE.

Seleucus II

Seleucid ruler who reigned from 246–226 BCE.

Seleucus III

Ruler from 226–223 BCE in the Seleucid dynasty.

Antiochus III

Major Seleucid king who ruled from 222–187 BCE.

Seleucus IV

Ruler of the Seleucid Empire from 187–175 BCE.

Antiochus IV

Seleucid ruler associated with the Maccabean Revolt (175–164 BCE).

Antigonid Dynasty

A dynasty based in Macedonia, notable during the Hellenistic period.

Antigonus Gonatus

Antigonid king who ruled from roughly 277/272–239 BCE.

Demetrius II

Antigonid king who ruled Macedonia from 239–229 BCE.

Antigonus Doson

Antigonid king who ruled from 229–221 BCE.

Philip V

Macedonian ruler who fought Rome during the Macedonian Wars (221–179 BCE).

Perseus

Last Antigonid king who ruled from 179–168 BCE.

Ptolemaic Dynasty

Dynasty founded by Ptolemy I Soter that ruled Egypt from 305-30 BCE.

Ptolemy I Soter

Founder of the Ptolemaic dynasty who ruled from 306–282 BCE.

Ptolemy II Philadelphus

Ptolemaic king known for his cultural contributions, ruled from 282–246 BCE.

Ptolemy III Euergetes

Ptolemy who ruled Egypt from 246–222 BCE.

Ptolemy IV Philopator

Ptolemy who ruled during the Battle of Raphia.

Ptolemy V

Ptolemaic ruler who governed Egypt from 204–180 BCE.

Pyrrhic Wars

Conflict fought against Rome, significant for its heavy casualties.

Polybius

Famous historian and friend of Scipio Aemilianus.

Theocritus

Hellenistic poet known for his pastoral poetry.

Hannibal

Carthaginian general who invaded Italy during the Second Punic War.

Rhodes

Island city famous for trade and the Colossus.

Hellespont

The narrow strait that connects the Aegean and Black Seas.

Alexandria

The capital city of Ptolemaic Egypt.

Seleucid Era

A dating system beginning in 312 BCE.

Euergetism

Wealthy benefaction to cities or communities.

Polis

A Greek city-state.

Diadem

A royal headband symbolizing kingship.

Battle of Raphia

A battle that occurred in 217 BCE during the Fourth Syrian War.

Treaty of Apamea

Treaty that ended the Romano-Syrian War in 188 BCE.

Phalanx

A dense infantry formation using long spears.

Cataphracts

Heavily armored cavalry units.

Roman Legions

Flexible Roman military formations organized into maniples or cohorts.