After Alexander

I sat down with the wonderful Dustin and Meredith from the Alexander Standard to discuss Seleucus I, the Seleucid dynasty and diverse other topics from the Hellenistic world. Expect tales of Seleucus I handing his wife off strategically, Ptolemy VIII chopping up family members and Scipio humiliating a pharaoh. Oh, and the collective decision that Antiochus VIII may have needed rhinoplasty.

The eldest son of Antiochus III has been in the driving seat ever since 210 BCE- or since the age of eleven. However, given that his epithet appears in the episode title, I wouldn't hang out the bunting for him just yet... Sources for this episode: TBA

Now that Antiochus III is a bit more secure on the throne, it's time to examine his family. We've had reason to introduce his eldest son Antiochus and his daughter Cleopatra, but what about the rest of the brood? Well, in examining the family and the facts about their lives, we need to wade through quite a bit of the fog of history- and discuss the beginning of cursed marriages within the dynasty.Sources for this episode:TBA

When Ptolemy IV of Egypt dies to be succeeded by an infant Ptolemy V, Antiochus III seizes his chance. It's time to walk all over Egypt- and establish a very famous name in the region while doing so... Sources for this episode: TBA

Alexander the Great once travelled east to India, tried to stamp his authority on the subcontinent and was forced home by the mutiny of his own men before planning to take over Arabia. Although that might be a subject for a During Alexander episode rather than After Alexander, we're going to see his spiritual successor Antiochus III follow in his footsteps and do surprisingly well... Sources for this episode: TBA

Antiochus III is gunning for the east. Xerxes of Armenia, Arsaces II of Parthia and even Euthydemus of Bactria are going to be on the receiving end of Seleucid wrath... Sources for this episode: TBA

Achaeus the Younger is gone! How? Well, it involves an attempted meddling by Egypt, a flagrant betrayal by a Cretan mercenary, and a stealthy spy mission in the night with a king disguised as a lowly warrior. What more could you ask for? Sources for this episode: Bevan, E. R. (1966), The House of Seleucus (Vol. II). New York: Barnes & Noble, Inc. Greene, R. (2000), The 48 Laws of Power. London: Profile Books Ltd. Polybius (1979), Polybius the Histories, in Six Volumes (Volume III). Translated by W. R. Paton. Cambridge, Massachusetts and London: Harvard University Press and William Heinemann, Ltd.

Antiochus III has been waiting a long time for revenge on his independent-minded cousin Achaeus the Younger. Well, now's his chance. Join us today as we watch Antiochus sweep all before him on a vengeful path of destruction across Anatolia... Sources for this episode: Bevan, E. R. (1966), The House of Seleucus (Vol. II). New York: Barnes & Noble, Inc. The Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica (2023), Sardis (online) (Accessed 05/08/2024). Polybius (1979), Polybius the Histories, in Six Volumes (Volume III). Translated by W. R. Paton. Cambridge, Massachusetts and London: Harvard University Press and William Heinemann, Ltd.

In the calm before the storm, we examine what was going on in Anatolia. Achaeus the Younger has been a rising power since he's been free to romp round the peninsula, squaring off against Attalus I of Pergamon and whoever else he comes across. Sources for this episode: Bevan, E. R. (1902), The House of Seleucus (Vol. I). London: Edward Arthur. Espenak, F., NASA (date unknown) Solar Eclipses of Historical Interest (online) (Accessed 19/07/2024). Polybius (1979), Polybius the Histories, in Six Volumes (Volume III). Translated by W. R. Paton. Cambridge, Massachusetts and London: Harvard University Press and William Heinemann, Ltd. Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), List of solar eclipses in antiquity (online) (Accessed 19/07/2024).

The Fourth Syrian War is here! I know, it kind of felt like we stumbled into it for me as well. Join us as we see Antiochus III tear through Hollow Syria like a knife through butter, and we witness the only time Indian elephants fought African elephants at Raphia... Sources for this episode: Bevan, E. R. (1902), The House of Seleucus (Vol. I). London: Edward Arthur. Polybius (1979), Polybius the Histories, in Six Volumes (Volume III). Translated by W. R. Paton. Cambridge, Massachusetts and London: Harvard University Press and William Heinemann, Ltd.

Antiochus III strikes into Hollow Syria... eventually. He's got an old wrong to put right first. Sources for this episode: Bevan, E. R. (1902), The House of Seleucus (Vol. I). London: Edward Arthur. Polybius (1979), Polybius the Histories, in Six Volumes (Volume III). Cambridge, Massachusetts and London: Harvard University Press and William Heinemann, Ltd.

With Molon dealt with, Antiochus III now turns his attention towards Lesser Media and the east. Hermias, the scheming minister, is fine with this decision given that there's an heir been born and the possibility of a regency should anything happen to the king. However, Antiochus has his own ideas- as does prince Achaeus over in Anatolia... Sources for this episode: Bevan, E. R. (1902), The House of Seleucus (Vol. I). London: Edward Arthur. Cook, J. M. (1999), The Persians. London: The Folio Society. Gershon, L., Smithsonian Magazine (2020), Grandson of President John Tyler, Who Left Office in 1845, Dies at Age 95 (online) (Accessed 24/06/2024). Polybius (1979), Polybius the Histories, in Six Volumes (Volume III). Translated by W. R. Paton. Cambridge, Massachusetts and London: Harvard University Press and William Heinemann, Ltd. Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Artabazanes (online) (Accessed 24/06/2024). Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Darius III (online) (Accessed 24/06/2024). Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Harrison Ruffin Tyler (online) (Accessed 24/06/2024).

The showdown is here, and as the title might give away- Molon might want to think of a backup career path instead of 'king'... Sources for this episode: Bevan, E. R. (1902), The House of Seleucus (Vol. I). London: Edward Arthur. Polybius (1979), Polybius the Histories, in Six Volumes (Volume III). Translated by W. R. Paton. Cambridge, Massachusetts and London: Harvard University Press and William Heinemann, Ltd. Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Alexander (satrap) (online) (Accessed 23/06/2024). Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Antiochus (son of Antiochus III the Great) (online) (Accessed 23/06/2024).

Episode 13 was once called 'Young Man, Go West!'- well, now a descendant of the king we exhorted to travel to Macedon is heading east to deal with the threat of Molon. Sources for this episode: Bevan, E. R. (1902), The House of Seleucus (Vol. I). London: Edward Arthur. The Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica (2016), Anti-Lebanon Mountains (online) (Accessed 21/06/2024). Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Go West, young man (online) (Accessed 21/06/2024). Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Syrian Wars (online) (Accessed 21/06/2024).

Ptolemy IV has become king of Egypt, and there are going to be consequences. Let's explore some bloodletting within the Ptolemaic royal family... Sources for this episode: Bennett, C. (2002), The Children of Ptolemy III and the Date of the Exedra of Thermos. Zeitschirft für Payrologie und Epigraphik 138: 141-145. Bevan, E. R. (1914), A History of Egypt under the Ptolemaic Dynasty. London: Metheuen & Co. Ltd. Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Ptolemy III Euergetes (online) (Accessed 29/05/2024).

Molon starts to become a serious threat- and the Seleucid court just keep fumbling the ball... Sources for this episode: Bevan, E. R. (1902), The House of Seleucus (Vol. I). London: Edward Arthur. Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Molon (online) (Accessed 30/04/2024). Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Xenoetas (online) (Accessed 30/04/2024).

We start off the reign of Antiochus III reviewing just how bad a situation the empire finds itself in. Not only have we seen the edges fall away, but now cronies are squabbling over how to squander the remainder... Sources for this episode: Bevan, E. R. (1902), The House of Seleucus (Vol. I). London: Edward Arthur. Burstein, S. (2022), Ptolemy III Euergetes ("Benefactor") I, king of Egypt, early 246 to 221 BCE. In: Oxford Classical Dictionary. The Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica (2024), Ptolemy IV Philopator (online) (Accessed 29/04/2024). Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Antiochus III the Great (online) (Accessed 22/04/2024). Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Molon (online) (Accessed 29/04/2024). Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Ptolemy III Euergetes (online) (Accessed 29/04/2024). Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Ptolemy IV Philopator (online) (Accessed 29/04/2024).

100 years. That's how long it's been since Alexander the Great died. Before we move on from Seleucus III, let's look back on the past century and our five Seleucid monarchs... Sources for this episode are past episodes, with the exception of Diodorus Siculus for Alexander's plans. The reference for this is given below: Diodorus (1984), Diodorus of Sicily in Twelve Volumes. Volume IX: Books XVIII and XIX 1-65. Cambridge, Massachusetts and London: Harvard University Press and William Heinemann Ltd.

We are slowly but steadily approaching episode 100 of After Alexander. I'm planning to make that a proper episode, but my aim is to host an AMA (or an Ask Me Anything) around about the same time. If you have any questions about the podcast, podcasting generally, or anything else, I'd love to hear from you! Simply get in touch at the show's email address, 'afteralexpod@gmail.com'. There is also a second question this episode- would you be interested in an After Alexander Patreon? I've had questions about this in the past, so I would love to hear your thoughts. You can get in touch about it at the email address, or else there is a public vote on it somewhere on the podcast's YouTube community page.

Back again after what feels like a confusingly short amount of time. Seleucus III has no son to succeed him, making him the first king since his great-great-grandfather without a direct heir. So, let's put Seleucus III behind us... This episode draws upon material from previous episodes.

Demetrius II was king last time we checked in with the kingdom of Macedon. In order to establish some context for the time period when both Macedon and Egypt were getting involved in Cleomenes of Sparta's war, we are going to have to introduce both Antigonus III and the young Philip V. Sources for this episode: Bevan, E. R. (1902), The House of Seleucus (Vol. I). London: Edward Arthur. Rawlinson, G. (1871), A Manual of Ancient History, From the Earliest Times to the Fall of the Western Empire. Comprising the History of Chaldea, Assyria, Media, Babylonia, Lydia, Phoenicia, Syria, Judaea, Egypt, Carthage, Persia, Greece, Macedonia, Parthia, and Rome. New York: Harper & Brothers, Publishers. Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Antigonus III Doson (online) (Accessed c.16/04/2024). Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Philip V of Macedon (online) (Accessed 15/04/2024 and 16/04/2024).

Seleucus III is on his way to Anatolia. However, two members of the Seleucid army called Nicanor and Apaturius are about to make life difficult... Sources for this episode: Bevan, E. R. (1902), The House of Seleucus (Vol. I). London: Edward Arthur. Grainger, J. D., (2014), The Rise of the Seleukid Empire (323- 223 BCE), Seleukos I to Seleukos III. Barnsley: Pen & Sword Books Ltd. (eBook). Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Phrygia (online) (Accessed 15/04/2024). Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Seleucus III Ceraunus (online) (Accessed 15/04/2024).

Seleucus II has perished from falling off his horse. Long live king Alexander! Oh... wait... That's too original of a name, isn't it? Well, Seleucus III it is then. Find out in this episode what the new Seleucid regime has to consider. Sources for this episode: Bevan, E. R. (1902), The House of Seleucus (Vol. I). London: Edward Arthur. Grainger, J. D., (2014), The Rise of the Seleukid Empire (323- 223 BCE), Seleukos I to Seleukos III. Barnsley: Pen & Sword Books Ltd. (eBook). Rawlinson, G. (1871), A Manual of Ancient History, From the Earliest Times to the Fall of the Western Empire. Comprising the History of Chaldea, Assyria, Media, Babylonia, Lydia, Phoenicia, Syria, Judaea, Egypt, Carthage, Persia, Greece, Macedonia, Parthia, and Rome. New York: Harper & Brothers, Publishers. Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Cleomenes III (online) (Accessed 09/04/2024). Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Seleucus III Ceraunus (online) (Accessed 09/04/2024).

Adieu to Seleucus II- but not quite just yet. Before we pass the torch on to the next generation, we will spend some time looking at how far we've come since 246 BCE and giving Seleucus his well-deserved epithet. In terms of sources, this episode is based on episodes 47 to 63 inclusive.

Attalus of Pergamon seems to have become enough an issue that Seleucus is trying to stabilise Syria ahead of an incursion. It's time to mete out some Seleucid wrath to Anatolia- or is it...? Sources for this episode: Bevan, E. R. (1902), The House of Seleucus (Vol. I). London: Edward Arthur.  Grainger, J. D., (2014), The Rise of the Seleukid Empire (323- 223 BCE), Seleukos I to Seleukos III. Barnsley: Pen & Sword Books Ltd. (eBook). Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Seleucus II Callinicus (online) (Accessed 28/03/2024).

Seleucus may have been losing territory around the edges, but life in the centre of the empire is no bed of roses either. The moral of the story? If you're a Seleucid royal, rejecting a proposal by your aunt may have consequences... Sources for this episode:  Grainger, J. D., (2014), The Rise of the Seleukid Empire (323- 223 BCE), Seleukos I to Seleukos III. Barnsley: Pen & Sword Books Ltd. (eBook). Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Demetrius II Aetolicus (online) (Accessed 28/03/2024). Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Nicomedes II of Bithynia (online) (Accessed 28/03/2024). Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Nicomedes III of Bithynia (online) (Accessed 28/03/2024). Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Nicomedes IV of Bithynia (online) (Accessed 28/03/2024). Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Prusias I of Bithynia (online) (Accessed 28/03/2024). Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Prusias II of Bithynia (online) (Accessed 28/03/2024).

Our reign thus far has had a buzzing little princeling incessantly causing problems. Well, even the bravest hawk must someday get shot down and hit the ground. Hard. Sources for this episode: Bevan, E. R. (1902), The House of Seleucus (Vol. I). London: Edward Arthur.  Grainger, J. D., (2014), The Rise of the Seleukid Empire (323- 223 BCE), Seleukos I to Seleukos III. Barnsley: Pen & Sword Books Ltd. (eBook).

Bactria is the other big power in our eastern question. Today we will be introducing the state, as well as covering the efforts of Seleucus II to retake the east of his empire. Sources for this episode: Bevan, E. R. (1902), The House of Seleucus (Vol. I). London: Edward Arthur.  Grainger, J. D., (2014), The Rise of the Seleukid Empire (323- 223 BCE), Seleukos I to Seleukos III. Barnsley: Pen & Sword Books Ltd. (eBook). Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Diodotus I (online) (Accessed 04/03/2024). Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Diodotus II (online) (Accessed 04/03/2024).

Seleucus is beginning to head out eastwards again- somewhere we haven't been for a long time. Let's familiarise ourselves with Andragoras, governor of Parthia, and the Parsi who we last discussed in episode 42... Sources for this episode: Bevan, E. R. (1902), The House of Seleucus (Vol. I). London: Edward Arthur. Broderson, K. (1986), The Date of the Secession of Parthia from the Seleucid Kingdom. Historia: Zeitschrift für Alte Geschichte 35(3): 378-381. Dobbins, K. W. (1974), Mithridates II and his Successors: A Study of the Parthian Crisis 90-70 B.C. Antichthon 8: 63-79. The Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica (2024), Andragoras (online) (Accessed 04/03/2024). Grainger, J. D., (2014), The Rise of the Seleukid Empire (323- 223 BCE), Seleukos I to Seleukos III. Barnsley: Pen & Sword Books Ltd. (eBook). Lendering, J., Livius (2018, last changed 2020), Arsaces II (online) (Accessed 04/03/2024). Lendering, J., Livius (2018, last changed 2020), Arsaces III Phriapatius (online) (Accessed 04/03/2024). Olbrycht, M. J. (2014), The genealogy of Artabanos II (AD 8/9- 39/40), King of Parthia. Miscellanea Antrhopologica et Sociologica 15(3): 92-97. Rawlinson, G. (1871), A Manual of Ancient History, From the Earliest Times to the Fall of the Western Empire. Comprising the History of Chaldea, Assyria, Media, Babylonia, Lydia, Phoenicia, Syria, Judaea, Egypt, Carthage, Persia, Greece, Macedonia, Parthia, and Rome. New York: Harper & Brothers, Publishers. Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Andragoras (Seleucid satrap) (online) (Accessed 04/03/2024). Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Priapatius (online) (Accessed 04/03/2024).

After Hierax evicted Seleucus from Anatolia, the peninsula descended into chaos. But one of the monarchs of the Hellenistic period would not stand for that. It's time for Attalus I of Pergamon to step up to the plate... Sources for this episode: Bevan, E. R. (1902), The House of Seleucus (Vol. I). London: Edward Arthur. Grainger, J. D., (2014), The Rise of the Seleukid Empire (323- 223 BCE), Seleukos I to Seleukos III. Barnsley: Pen & Sword Books Ltd. (eBook). Norwich, J. J. (2013), A Short History of Byzantium. London: The Penguin Group. Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Attalus I (online) (Accessed 29/02/2024). Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Kingdom of Pergamon (online) (Accessed 01/03/2024).

Antiochus Hierax and Seleucus II are finally going to have something of a showdown in the Fraternal War. Ancyra is waiting for us- but the results might not be pretty. Sources for this episode: Bevan, E. R. (1902), The House of Seleucus (Vol. I). London: Edward Arthur. The Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica (2024), Ankara (online) (Accessed c. 01/03/2024). Grainger, J. D., (2014), The Rise of the Seleukid Empire (323- 223 BCE), Seleukos I to Seleukos III. Barnsley: Pen & Sword Books Ltd. (eBook).

239 BCE saw the death of someone who has been in the background of our Seleucid story for what feels like forever. As such, we should give him a proper sendoff. Say goodbye to Antigonus II... Sources for this episode: Bennett, J. E., Li, G., Foreman, K., Best, N., Kontis, V., Pearson, C., Hambly, P. and Ezzati, M. (2015), The future of life expectancy and life expectancy inequalities in England and Wales: Bayesian spatiotemporal forecasting. Lancet 386: 163-170. Bevan, E. R. (1902), The House of Seleucus (Vol. I). London: Edward Arthur. Bevan, E. R. (1914), A History of Egypt under the Ptolemaic Dynasty. London: Methuen & Co., Ltd. Harju, O. (2018), Male Heirs, Bastard King, Catholic England and Other Alternatives: A Counterfactual History Analysis of Henry VIII's Three Sons. Bachelor's thesis submitted to the University of Oulu. Keynes 2005 (reference to be updated) Volkmann, H., Encyclopedia Britannica (2024), Antigonus II Gonatas (online) (Accessed 27/02/2024). Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Antigonus II Gonatas (online) (Accessed 27/02/2024). Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Demetrius II Aetolicus (online) (Accessed 27/02/2024). Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), List of monarchs in Britain by length of reign (online) (Accessed 27/02/2024). Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Philip V of Macedon (online) (Accessed 27/02/2024).

Hierax is making his move and Seleucus II is doing his best to counteract it. Let's see how he does in the early phases of what is known as the Fraternal War. Sources for this episode: TBA

Seleucus II may have been in our focus for the political and military drama so far, but he also has a wife and children who will become the players on the stage in the next generation. Let's take some time to introduce them while we still have some breathing space... Sources for this episode: TBA

Antiochus Hierax has behaved himself up until this point in our narrative, but it won't stay that way for long. To the government in Sardis, Antiochus III 'the Hawk' has arisen in Anatolia to claim the throne from his brother. But who are this faction of the Seleucid dynasty he's working with? Sources for this episode: Bevan, E. R. (1902), The House of Seleucus (Vol. I). London: Edward Arthur (eBook). D'Agostini, M. (2023), Laodice (2), Seleucid queen, wife of Antiochus (2) II, c. 285– unknown. Oxford Classical Dictionary (online) (Accessed 11/01/2024). Grainger, J. D. (2014), The Rise of the Seleukid Empire (323- 223 BCE), Seleukos I to Seleukos III. Barnsley: Pen & Sword Books Ltd. (eBook). Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Achaeus (son of Seleucus I Nicator) (online) (Accessed 11/01/2024). Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Alexander (grandson of Seleucus I Nicator) (online) (Accessed 11/01/2024). Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Andromachus (son of Achaeus) (online) (Accessed 11/01/2024). Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Antiochus III the Great (online) (Accessed 11/01/2024). Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Seleucus III Ceraunus (online) (Accessed 11/01/2024).

The Third Syrian War plays out and it turns out miracles do exist- Seleucus II has managed to claw his way back out of the quagmire. However, this is not without a heavy defeat in Palestine and some rumblings from Anatolia... Sources for this episode: Bevan, E. R. (1902), The House of Seleucus (Vol. I). London: Edward Arthur (eBook). Grainger, J. D. (2014), The Rise of the Seleukid Empire (323- 223 BCE), Seleukos I to Seleukos III. Barnsley: Pen & Sword Books Ltd. (eBook).

The title of this episode says it all. Today, we're going to be dealing with the fate of Antioch once Ptolemy III comes strolling over. Plus, we'll finally get to move Seleucus around a bit and see some divine justice being doled out by the weather system... Sources for this episode: Bevan, E. R. (1902), The House of Seleucus (Vol. I). London: Edward Arthur (eBook). Grainger, J. D. (2014), The Rise of the Seleukid Empire (323- 223 BCE), Seleukos I to Seleukos III. Barnsley: Pen & Sword Books Ltd. (eBook). Rosenberg, A. M., Rausser, S., Ren, J., Mosharov, E. V., Sturm, G., Odgon, R. T., Patel, P., Soni, R. K., Lacefield, C., Tobin, D. J., Paus, R. and Picard, M. (2021), Quantitative mapping of human hair greying and reversal in relation to life stress. eLife 10: e67437. Watson, J. S. (1853), on Attalus (date unknown), Justinus: Epitome of Pompeius Trogus' Philippic Histories (online) (Accessed 23/10/2023). Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Xanthippus (Spartan commander) (online) (Accessed 21/11/2023).

To mark the fiftieth episode of After Alexander, we're going to go back in time all the way to the first wars of the successors to focus on Alexander IV. Specifically, we will focus on a point in his life we didn't mention the first time around- Alexander the Little was married! Sources for this episode: Berger, B. M. (1960), How Long Is a Generation? The British Journal of Sociology 11(1): 10-23. Bevan, E. R. (1902), The House of Seleucus (Vol. I). London: Edward Arthur (eBook). Geer, R. L. (1947), Diodorus of Sicily (Volume IX). Cambridge, Massachusetts and London: Harvard University Press and William Heinemann Ltd. Grainger, J. D. (2014), The Rise of the Seleukid Empire (323- 223 BCE), Seleukos I to Seleukos III. Barnsley: Pen & Sword Books Ltd. (eBook). Langhorne, J. and Langhorne, W. (1770), on Attalus (date unknown), Life of Demetrius (online) (Accessed 12/10/2023). Matsamura, S. and Forster, P. (2008), Generation time and effective popular size in Polar Eskimos. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences 275: 1501-1508. Plutarch (1920), The Parallel Lives. Loeb Classical Library Volume IX. Reproduced by Thayer, B, University of Chicago (online) (Accessed 12/10/2023). Rawlinson, G. (1871), A Manual of Ancient History, From the Earliest Times to the Fall of the Western Empire. Comprising the History of Chaldea, Assyria, Media, Babylonia, Lydia, Phoenicia, Syria, Judaea, Egypt, Carthage, Greece, Macedonia, Parthia, and Rome. New York: Harper & Brothers, Publishers. Watson, J. S. (1853), on Attalus (date unknown), Justinus: Epitome of Pompeius Trogus' Philippic Histories (online) (Accessed 23/10/2023). Welles, C. B. (1962), Diodorus of Sicily (Volume VIII). Cambridge, Massachusetts and London: Harvard University Press and William Heinemann Ltd. Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Aeacides of Epirus (online) (Accessed 12/10/2023). Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Alexander I of Epirus (online) (Accessed 12/10/2023). Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Alexander IV (online) (Accessed 12/10/2023). Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Argead dynasty (online) (Accessed 12/10/2023). Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Arybbas of Epirus (online) (Accessed 12/10/2023). Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Deidamia I of Epirus (online) (Accessed 12/10/2023). Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Demetrius I Poliorcetes (online) (Accessed 12/10/2023). Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Neoptolemus II of Epirus (online) (Accessed 12/10/2023). Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Philip II (online) (Accessed 12/10/2023). Author unknown, 23andMe (date unknown), Average Percent DNA Shared Between Relatives (online) (Accessed 12/10/2023).

It doesn't feel like that long ago that we were here last, but Syrian War III is here- seven years after the first settled on Syrian War II. Get ready to see Ptolemy III rampage through Syria and the Middle East in a way Egyptian kings haven't done since Thutmose III more than a thousand years previously. Something tells me it's not going well for the Seleucids... Sources for this episode: Bevan, E. R. (1902), The House of Seleucus (Vol. I). London: Edward Arthur (eBook). Casson, L. (1993), Ptolemy II and the Hunting of African Elephants. Transactions of the American Philological Association (1974-2014) 123: 247-260. Drower, M. S. and Dorman, P. F. (2023), Thutmose III (online) (Accessed 23/10/2023). The Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica (2019), Horemheb (online) (Accessed 23/10/2023). Gilbert, N. (2010), African elephants are two distinct species. Nature. Gowers, W. (1947), The African Elephant in Warfare. African Affairs 46(182): 42-49. Gowers, W. (1948), African Elephants and Ancient Authors. African Affairs 47(188): 173-180. Grainger, J. D. (2014), The Rise of the Seleukid Empire (323- 223 BCE), Seleukos I to Seleukos III. Barnsley: Pen & Sword Books Ltd. (eBook). Mariette, A. (1892), Outlines of Ancient Egyptian History. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons. Murison, R. G. (1951), History of Egypt. Edinburgh. T. & T. Clark. Philips, A. K. (1977), Founder of the XIXth Dynasty? O: Cairo 25646 reconsidered. Orientalia 46(1): 116-121. Rawlinson, G. (1871), A Manual of Ancient History, From the Earliest Times to the Fall of the Western Empire. Comprising the History of Chaldea, Assyria, Media, Babylonia, Lydia, Phoenicia, Syria, Judaea, Egypt, Carthage, Greece, Macedonia, Parthia, and Rome. New York: Harper & Brothers, Publishers. Redford, D. B. (2003), The Wars in Syria and Palestine of Thutmose III. Leiden/Boston: BRILL. TED-Ed, YouTube (2014), The pharaoh that wouldn't be forgotten (online) (Accessed 23/10/2023). Watson, J. S. (1853), on Attalus (date unknown), Justinus: Epitome of Pompeius Trogus' Philippic Histories (online) (Accessed 23/10/2023). Author unknown, The Calculator Site (date unknown), What is 5'2'' in cm? (Accessed 01/11/2023). Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Battle of Raphia (online) (Accessed 23/10/2023).

We've dealt with Antiochus the Unfortunate, but now let's circle round to Egypt and deal with Ptolemy III. What were his motivations? How had his sister Berenice and her rival Laodice reacted to their husband's death? Most importantly- how does all of this connect to the upcoming Third Syrian War? 1) Bevan, E. R. (1902), The House of Seleucus (Vol. I). London: Edward Arthur. 2) The Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica (2019), Antiochus II Theos (online) [Access date unknown, c.22/01/2022]. 3) Grainger, J. D. (2014), The Rise of the Seleukid Empire (323- 223 BCE), Seleukos I to Seleukos III. Barnsley: Pen & Sword Books Ltd. (eBook) [Accessed 22/01/2022]. 4) Komnene, A., (2009), The Alexiad. London: The Penguin Group. 5) Justinus, Attalus (date unknown), Justinus: Epitome of Pompeius Trogus' “Philippic histories” (online) [Access date unknown]. 6) Lendering, J., Livius (created 2006, last modified 2020), Berenice Phernophorus (online) [Accessed c.22/01/2022]. 7) Littlewood, I. (2002), The Rough Chronicle Guide: France. London: Penguin Group Ltd. 8) Rawlinson, G. (1869), A manual of ancient history from the earliest times to the fall of the Western Empire, comprising the history of Chaldea, Assyria, Media, Babylonia, Lydia, Phoenicia, Syria, Judea, Egypt, Carthage, Persia, Greece, Macedonia, Rome, and Parthia. Oxford: Clarendon Press (eBook) [Access date unknown]. 9) TED-Ed, YouTube (2021), How a concubine became the ruler of Egypt - Abdallah Ewis (online) [Accessed 07/08/2023]. 10) Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown) Antiochus II (online) [Accessed c.22/01/2022]. 11) Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Berenice II of Egypt (online) [Accessed 07/08/2023]. 12) Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Berenice Syra (online) [Accessed c. 22/01/2022]. 13) Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Demetrius the Fair [Accessed 07/08/2023]. 14) Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Laodice I (online) [Accessed c.22/01/2022].

Introducing my newest venture- being one half of the Autocrat podcast! Autocrat is a podcast which aims to explore Roman civilisation from beginning to end. Beginning with the mythology and the stories of Aeneas and Romulus, the podcast will trace the journey through the Roman Kingdom, the Republic, the Empire and all the way to 1453 and beyond. Who knows if we'll make it that far, but we hope to have fun with it! The podcast can be found at https://open.spotify.com/show/30Muilr1O66yA4UDcj76SW?si=891136d533c446a5 or on YouTube at youtube.com/@autocratpodcast. If the show sounds fun, feel free to come and join us!

Here at After Alexander, we go through the narrative of the Hellenistic Era chronologically without a focus on individual stories. However, if you feel like listening to a funny, well-sourced show which focuses on individual monarchs' stories, feel free to listen to the Alexander Standard. Taking after the Rex Factor started in 2010, the Alexander Standard ranks all the successors to Alexander III of Macedon from Perdiccas to Cleopatra VII. If you want a different take on the same story, feel free to give them a listen! They can be found on: Gmail: alexanderstandardpodcast@gmail.com Twitter: @AlexStandardPod Facebook: The Alexander Standard Podcast Instagram: @alexanderstandardpod

This week, I thought we'd try a mathematical way to assess how stable the Seleucid dynasty has been so far. To do so, we're going to compare average reign length and longest reign length with other dynasties from history. Prepare for some well known names- including a cameo from the Sun King himself, Louis XIV of France... Sources for this episode: 1) The Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica (2022), Constantine VIII (online) [Accessed 02/08/2023]. 2) Goldsworth, A. (2016), Pax Romana: War, Peace and Conquest in the Roman World. London: Weidenfeld & Nicholson. 3) Hussey, J. M., Encyclopedia Britannica (2023), Basil II (online) [Accessed 02/08/2023]. 4) Jones, D. (2013); The Plantagenets: The Kings Who Made England. London: William Collins (eBook accessed 03/08/2023). 5) Littlewood, I. (2002), The Rough Guide Chronicle: France. London: Penguin Group Ltd. 6) Norwich, J. J. (2013), A Short History of Byzantium. London: Penguin Books Ltd. 7) Van Loo, B. (translated by Forest-Flier, N.) (2019, translated 2021), The Burgundians, A Vanished Empire- A History of 1111 Years and One Day. Head of Zeus Ltd. 8) Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Constantine VIII (online) [Accessed 02/08/2023]. 9) Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Elizabeth II (online) [Accessed 02/08/2023). 10) Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), House of Valois-Burgundy (online) [Accessed 03/08/2023]. 11) Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), List of longest-reigning monarchs (online) [Accessed 03/08/2023].

Hello everyone, just a quick note that the YouTube comments are active on all videos and in the community tab. Feel free to drop me a line there as an alternative to the show's email address and stay tuned for extra features such as polls in future!

This week, we're going to witness some of the fallout from the death of Antiochus II in 248 BCE. We don't just have one new monarch Seleucus II, but we have three- his full brother Antiochus Hierax will come to claim the crown from Anatolia and there is his half-brother Antiochus the Younger (the son of Berenice Syra) to contend with as well. Seleucus II will have to deal with the chaos of multiple people claiming the crown, as well as the stage being set for the Third Syrian War... Sources for this episode: 1) Bevan, E. R. (1902), The House of Seleucus (Vol. I). London: Edward Arthur. 2) The Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica (2019), Antiochus II Theos (online) [Accessed c.22/01/2022]. 3) Grainger, J. D., (2014), The Rise of the Seleukid Empire (323- 223 BCE), Seleukos I to Seleukos III. Barnsley: Pen & Sword Books Ltd. (eBook) [Accessed 22/01/2022]. 4) Lendering, J., Livius (created 2006, last modified 2020), Berenice Phernophorus (online) [Accessed c.22/01/2022]. 5) Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Antiochus II Theos (online) [Accessed c.22/01/2022]. 6) Authors unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Berenice Syra (online) [Accessed c.22/01/2022]. 7) Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Laodice I (online) [Accessed c.22/01/2022].

It's time for another mini-series! This time, we're going to look ahead to some scattered stories from Greek history in the centuries and millennia after the fall of the Hellenistic kingdoms. Today, we're jumping forward to the 1860s CE to witness how a Danish prince was chosen to be King of the Hellenes as Georgios I. His family ruled over Greek- with some intermissions- until Konstantinos II was deposed in 1973... Sources for this episode: 1) Chisholm, H. (1911), 1911 Encyclopaedia Britannica (A-M). 2) The Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica (2023), George I (online) [Accessed 18/06/2023]. 3) Herrin, J. (2008), Byzantium: The Surprising Life of a Medieval Empire. London: Penguin Books Ltd. 4) Norwich, J. J. (2013), A Short History of Byzantium. London: The Penguin Group. 5) Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Constantine I of Greece (online) [Accessed 20/06/2023]. 6) Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Frederick VIII of Denmark (online) [Accessed 20/06/2023]. 7) Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), George I of Greece (online) [Accessed 18/06 and 20/06/2023]. 8) Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Greek royal family (online) [Accessed 18/06/2023]. 9) Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Henri d'Orléans, Duke of Aumale (online) [Accessed 20/06/2023]. 10) Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Seleucid empire (online) [Accessed 20/06/2023].

Hello everyone, Vince here with a quick update on how the podcast schedule is probably going to work from now on. I'm likely as not going to try out a monthly schedule- meaning that a new After Alexander will show up on the first Saturday of every month and a Biopedia on the third Sunday- although that may vary depending if I have more or less time for it in a given month. Who knows, there may well be more than one episode a month if I'm lucky! There may also be some extra content in the 'Community' tab of the podcasts' YouTube pages as well. I'm trying this new schedule in order to walk the line between not releasing any content at all and burning out due to trying to juggle everything at once. I'm also releasing this update on Biopedia's feed.

We've left Antiochus II behind, but that doesn't mean we can't explore the family tree in more detail in the meantime! This week, we head back down memory lane to remind ourselves about the existence of Achaeus the Elder, younger brother of our founder Seleucus I. Achaeus was the progenitor of a family who will become more prominent in our story in future decades, and as such deserve some attention. So, get ready for an episode with far too many people called Laodice... Sources for this episode: 1) Bevan, E. R. (1902), The House of Seleucus (Vol. I). London: Edward Arthur. 2) Grainger, J. D., (2014), The Rise of the Seleukid Empire (323- 223 BCE), Seleukos I to Seleukos III. Barnsley: Pen & Sword Books Ltd. (eBook) [Accessed 12/03/2023]. 3) Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Achaeus (son of Seleucus I Nicator) (online) [Accessed 15/01/2022]. 4) Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Alexander (grandson of Seleucus I Nicator) (online) [Accessed 05/03/2023]. 5) Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Andromachus (son of Achaeus) (online) [Accessed 15/01/2022 and 05/03/2023]. 6) Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Antiochis (online) [Accessed 05/03/2023]. 7) Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Berenice Syra (online) [Accessed 25/05/2023]. 8) Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Laodice I (online) [Accessed 05/03/2023]. 9) Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Laodice II (online) [Accessed /05/03/2023]. 10) Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Seleucid dynasty (online) [Accessed 05/03/2023]. 11) Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Seleucid empire (online) [Accessed 05/03/2023].

With Antiochus II's death, it's time for a recap episode! For the third time in our series, we're sat around the metaphorical campfire, just as we did when we said our goodbyes to Seleucus I and Antiochus I. The empire may be transitioning from the third generation of Seleucid royalty to the fourth, but that doesn't mean we can't take a minute to reflect on the last fifteen years...

We're going to have to say goodbye to two rulers in this episode- first Ptolemy II and then Antiochus II will meet their ends and pass on the mantle to the next generation. In Egypt the crown passes to Ptolemy III who seems ready for another fight over Syria. However, the situation in the Seleucid realm is far murkier, with the peace agreement from a few years ago disinheriting Laodice's sons- at least theoretically- and cause of death differing between sources. All of this culminates in the two wives of Antiochus II declaring two of his sons king... Sources for this episode: 1) Bevan, E. R. (1927), The House of Ptolemy, London: Methuen Publishing. Available at: LascusCurtis [Accessed 08/02/2021]. 2) Bevan, E. R. (1902), The House of Seleucus (Vol. I). London: Edward Arthur. 3) The Editors, Encyclopaedia Britannica (2019), Antiochus II Theos (online) [Accessed c.22/01 and 15/07/2022]. 4) Grainger, J. D., (2014), The Rise of the Seleukid Empire (323- 223 BCE), Seleukos I to Seleukos III. Barnsley: Pen & Sword Books Ltd. (eBook) [Accessed 22/01, 06/06 and 15/07/2022]. 5) Lendering, J., Livius (2006, last altered 2020), Berenice Phernophorus (online) [Accessed c.22/01 and 15/07/2022]. 6) Rawlinson, G. (1869) A manual of ancient history from the earliest times to the fall of the Western Empire, comprising the history of Chaldea, Assyria, Media, Babylonia, Lydia, Phoenicia, Syria, Judea, Egypt, Carthage, Persia, Greece, Macedonia, Rome, and Parthia. Oxford: Clarendon Press. (eBook) [Accessed 22/01/2022]. 7) Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Antiochus II Theos (online) [Accessed c.22/01 and 15/07/2022]. 8) Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Laodice I (online) [Accessed c.22/01/2022].

We return to the narrative with the introduction of Berenice Phernophorus, the daughter of Ptolemy II and the younger sister of Ptolemy III. Our story today takes us through the disagreements surrounding the details of the end of the Second Syrian War, the birth of yet another prince called Antiochus- and sets the stage for the last chapter in the reign of Antiochus II... Sources for this episode: 1) Bevan, E. R. (1902), The House of Seleucus (Vol. I). London: Edward Arthur. 2) Bevan, E. R. (1927), The House of Ptolemy, London: Methuen Publishing. Available at: LascusCurtis [Accessed 08/02/2021]. 3) The Editors, Encyclopaedia Britannica (2019), Antiochus II Theos (online) [Date of access uncertain, possibly c.18/01/2022]. 4) Grainger, J. D., (2014), The Rise of the Seleukid Empire (323- 223 BCE), Seleukos I to Seleukos III. Barnsley: Pen & Sword Books Ltd. (eBook) [Accessed 16/01/2022]. 5) Heinen, H., Encyclopaedia Britannica (2019), Ptolemy II Philadelphus (online) [Accessed 03/08/2021]. 6) Lendering, J., Livius (2006, last altered 2020), Berenice Phernophorus (online) [Accessed 15/01/2022]. 7) Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Antiochus II Theos (online) [Accessed c.21/04/2021]. 8) Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Berenice (Seleucid queen) (online) [Accessed 23/12/2021]. 9) Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Laodice I (online) [Date of access uncertain, possibly c.21/04/2022]. 10) Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Ptolemy II Philadelphus (online) [Accessed 23/12/2021].