A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

2. A Cretan, who furnished Demetrius Nicator with the body of mercenaries with which he landed in Syria to wrest that kingdom from the hands of the usurper Alexander Balas. It appears that Lasthenes himself accompanied the young prince; and when Demetrius was established on the throne was appointed by him his chief minister, and the supreme direction of all affairs placed in his hands. Hence the blame of the arbitrary and tyrannical conduct by which Demetrius speedily alienated the affections of his subjects is imputed in great measure to the minister. It was Lasthenes also who, by persuading the king to disband the greater part of his troops, and retain only a body of Cretan mercenaries, lost him the attachment of the army, and thus unintentionally paved the way for his overthrow by Tryphon. (Joseph. 13.4. §§ 3, 9; 1 Macc. xi.; Diod. Exc. Vales. xxxiii. p. 593, and Vales. ad loc.)