Alexander Balas (Greek Ἀλέξανδρoς Bάλας), ruler
of the Greek Seleucid kingdom 150-146 BC, was a
native of Smyrna of humble origin, but gave himself
out to be the son of Antiochus IV Epiphanes and heir
to the Seleucid throne. Along with his sister
Laodice, the youngster Alexander was "discovered" by
Heracleides, a former minister of Antiochus IV and
brother of Timarchus, a usurper in Media who had
been executed by the reigning king Demetrius I
Soter.
Alexander's claims were recognized by the Roman
Senate, Ptolemy Philometor of Egypt and others. He
married Cleopatra Thea, a daughter of the Ptolemaic
dynasty. At first unsuccessful, Alexander finally
defeated Demetrius Soter in 150 BC. Being now master
of the empire, he is said to have abandoned himself
to a life of debauchery. Whatever the truth behind
this, the young king was forced to depend heavily on
his Ptolemaic support and even struck portraits with
the characteristic features of king Ptolemy I.
Demetrius Soter's son Demetrius II profited by
the opportunity to regain the throne. Ptolemy
Philometor, who was Alexander's father-in-law, went
over to his side, and Alexander was defeated in the
battle of Antioch (145 BC) in Syria, sometimes known
as the battle of the Oenoparus.
He fled for refuge to a Nabataean prince, who
murdered him and sent his head to Ptolemy
Philometor, who had been mortally wounded in the
engagement.
See 1 Maccabees 10 ff.; Justin xxxv. 1 and 2;
Josephus, Antiq. xiii. 2; Appian, Sir. 67; Polybius
xxxiii. 14.
This article incorporates text from the
Encyclopędia Britannica Eleventh Edition
Preceded by
Demetrius I Soter
Succeeded by
Demetrius II Nicator or Antiochus VI Dionysus
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