A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

(Ἀντίοχος), king of SYRIA, surnamed EUPATOR (Εὐπάτωρ), was nine years old at his father's death, and reigned nominally for two years. (B. C. 164-162.) Lysias assumed the guardianship of the young king, though Antiochus IV. had appointed Philip to this office. Lysias, accompanied by the young king, continued the war against the Jews, and laid siege to Jerusalem; but hearing that Philip was marching against him from Persis, he concluded a peace with the Jews. He then proceeded against Philip, whom he conquered and put to death. The Romans, availing themselves of the distracted state of Syria, sent an embassy to enforce the terms of the peace which had been concluded with Antiochus the Great; but an insurrection was excited in consequence of these commands, in which Octavius, the chief of the embassy, was slain. About the same time Demetrius Soter, the son of Seleucus Philopator, who had remained in Rome up to this time [see ANTIOCHUS IV.], appeared in Syria and laid claim to the throne. Lysias and the young king fell into his hands, and were immediately put to death by him, B. C. 162. (Plb. 31.12, 19 ; Appian, App. Syr. 46, 66; J. AJ 12.10; 1 Maccab vi., &c.; 2 Maccab. xiii., &c.; Cic. Phil. 9.2.) Apollo is represented on the reverse of the annexed coin, as in those of Antiochus I. and III. The inscription at the foot, ΕΥΠΑΤΟΡΟΣ, is partly cut off.