She was a significant figure in the Hellenistic period, known for her connections to two powerful rulers of the Seleucid Empire.
Stratonice of Syria was born around 317 BCE, the daughter of Demetrius Poliorcetes, one of Alexander the Great’s successors, and Phila, a member of the Antipatrid dynasty.
She initially married Seleucus I Nicator, the founder of the Seleucid Empire, becoming Queen Consort during his reign. This marriage was a political alliance that reinforced ties between their families.
An unusual and legendary event shaped her life: Around 294 BCE, Seleucus discovered that his son, Antiochus, was deeply in love with Stratonice. Antiochus had fallen gravely ill due to his unspoken feelings, and a physician, Erasistratus, revealed the cause to Seleucus.
To save his son’s life, Seleucus arranged for Stratonice to marry Antiochus and handed over control of the empire’s eastern provinces to his son. Through this union, Stratonice continued as Queen Consort of the Seleucid Empire during Antiochus’s reign.
Her dual role as consort to both Seleucus and Antiochus highlights her unique position within the dynasty.
Stratonice played a role in court politics and was honored with dedications and public monuments.
Her influence spanned familial and political realms, contributing to the cohesion of the Seleucid court during its expansion. She died sometime in the 3rd century BCE, though the exact details of her later life and death remain unclear.
– Born: c. 317 BCE, Macedonia
– Died: c. 254 BCE, Unknown
– Age at Death: ~63
– Job Title: Queen Consort of the Seleucid Empire
The article was first published by Ancient History Vault.
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