Demetrius I Soter

AncientEmperorSeleucid Empire-187 — -150

Seleucid king who fought to maintain his dynasty.

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Quick Facts

Born

187 BCE

Died

150 BCE

Country

Seleucid Empire

Era

Ancient

Occupation

Emperor

Score Overview

Military (10%)40

Political (20%)38

Influence (20%)49

Legacy (20%)43

Leadership (15%)48

Strategy (15%)60

Total Score46.1

Demetrius I Soter — Complete Timeline

162 BC

Return from Roman HostagePolitical Action◆ Major

Demetrius I Soter escaped from Rome, where he had been held as a hostage, and returned to Syria. He overthrew the regent Lysias and the young king Antiochus V, claiming the Seleucid throne. His return was supported by the Roman Senate.

ReturnCoupSeleucid Dynasty

Impact: regional

161 BC

Campaign Against the MaccabeesWar◆ Major

Demetrius I sent an army under General Nicanor to suppress the Maccabean Revolt in Judea. Nicanor was defeated and killed at the Battle of Adasa by Judas Maccabeus. This victory solidified Maccabean control over Judea.

CampaignMaccabean RevoltBattle of Adasa

Impact: regionaldestructive

150 BC

Death in BattleWar◆ Major

Demetrius I was killed in battle against the forces of Alexander Balas, a rival claimant to the Seleucid throne supported by Rome and Pergamon. His death ended his reign and plunged the Seleucid Empire into further civil war.

BattleDeathCivil War

Impact: regionaltragic