v49_0296 - SYRIA - SELEUKID KINGDOM - DEMETRIUS II NIKATOR Drachme

SYRIA - SELEUKID KINGDOM - DEMETRIUS II NIKATOR

(146-138 BC)

First Reign

Demetrius II is the eldest son of Demetrius I. He first had to confront Alexander I Bala who claimed to be the son of Antiochus IV, first supported by Attalus of Pergamon and Ptolemy. Eventually Alexander was eliminated in 145 after a reign of five years. Restored with the help of Ptolemy VI, who died fighting Alexander, Demetrius had difficulty establishing himself and his influence remained limited to the Phoenician coast. In 140 BC he began a campaign against the Parthians, but was defeated and taken captive.