(Ἀντρίοχος), king of SYRIA, surnamed THEOS (Θεός), a
surname which he derived from the Milesians whom he delivered from their tyrant, Timarchus,
succeeded his father in B. C. 261. Soon after his accession he
became involved in war with Ptolemy Philadelphus, king of Egypt, which lasted for many years
and greatly weakened the Syrian kingdom. Taking advantage of this weakness, Arsaces was able
to establish the Parthian empire in B. C. 250; and his example was
shortly afterwards followed by Theodotus, the governor of Bactria, who revolted from Antiochus
and made Bactria an independent kingdom. The loss of these provinces induced Antiochus to sue
for peace, which was granted (B. C. 250) on condition of his putting
away his former wife Laodice and marrying Berenice, a daughter of Ptolemy. This connexion
between Syria and Egypt is referred to in the book of Daniel (11.6), where by the king of the
south we are to understand Egypt, and by the king of the north, Syria, On the death of Ptolemy
two years afterwards Antiochus recalled Laodice, but she could not forgive the insult that had
been shewn her, and, still mistrusting Antiochus, caused him to be murdered as well as
Berenice and her son. Antiochus was killed in B. C. 246, after a
reign of fifteen years. By Laodice he had four children, Seleucus Callinicus, who succeeded
him, Antiochus Hierax, a daughter, Stratonice, married to Mithridates, and another daughter
married to Ariarathes. Phylarchus related (Athen. 10.438), that
Antiochus was much given to wine. (Appian, App. Syr. 65 ;
Athen. 2.45; Justin, 27.1; Polyaen. 8.50; V. Max. 9.14.1,
extern.; Hieronym. ad Dan. 100.11.) On the reverse of the coin annexed,
Hercules is represented with his club in his hand. (Eckhel, iii. p. 218.)