Xerxes (Armenia)

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Xerxes († around 202 BC) was a at the end of the 3rd century BC. Ruling king of western Armenia from the Orontid dynasty .

Life

Xerxes was probably a son of Abdissares . Apparently Abdissares had broken away from the Seleucid suzerainty and no longer paid tribute to them. Antiochus III. did not want to accept this circumstance and again subject the Orontids to his submission. For this purpose he fell in 212 BC. In the kingdom of the young Xerxes and besieged him in his capital Arsamosata . At first Xerxes fled because his opponent could muster a superior army. He then feared, however, that after the fall of his residence he would be completely disempowered and therefore sent Antiochus III. a message requesting a personal discussion. The closest advisers to Antiochus III. suggested to this, however, that the power of government over Armenia be transferred to his own nephew Mithridates and that Xerxes no longer let go. The Seleucid king did not follow this opinion and found a balance with Xerxes. Xerxes, who recognized the Seleucid supremacy again, were granted generous peace conditions. He was forgiven most of the tributes his father had no longer paid; instead he only had to pay 300 talents and Antiochus III. Provide 1000 horses and as many mules, for which he was confirmed in his rule. On this occasion, Xerxes also married Antiochus' sister Antiochis . Around 202 BC However, Antiochis had Xerxes killed.

Coins of Xerxes are known, on the obverse of which his portrait appears, wearing a pointed tiara ; the title of king is added to the reverse of the coins.

literature

Remarks

  1. ↑ Polybios 8:23 , 1-5.
  2. ↑ Johannes von Antiochia , Fragment 53, in: Karl Müller , Theodor Müller , Victor Langlois (Eds.): Fragmenta historicorum graecorum , Volume 4, p. 557.
personal data
SURNAME Xerxes
BRIEF DESCRIPTION King of Armenia
DATE OF BIRTH 3rd century BC Chr.
DATE OF DEATH around 202 BC Chr.