The Rise and Fall of Seleucus

Seleucus I Nicator was one of Alexander the Great’s generals and a key figure in the Wars of the Diadochi, which followed Alexander’s death in 323 BCE.

After the empire’s fragmentation, Seleucus emerged as ruler of the vast Seleucid Empire, stretching from Asia Minor to India. He founded important cities, including Antioch, and established one of the largest Hellenistic kingdoms, blending Greek and Eastern cultures.

His rise was marked by strategic alliances, including with Ptolemy of Egypt, and victories over rivals like Antigonus. Seleucus expanded his empire eastward, reclaiming territories lost to other successors.

However, his ambitions led him into conflict with Lysimachus of Thrace, whom he defeated, only to be assassinated in 281 BCE by Ptolemy Keraunos, ending his reign.

While the Seleucid Empire endured for over a century after his death, it slowly fragmented, symbolising the challenges of maintaining a vast, multicultural empire.

See the video HERE.

READ MORE: Justinian I: The Visionary Byzantine Emperor.