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Document Details : Title: Seleucus IV Philopator (187-175) Subtitle: Reconsidering a 'Weak King' Author(s): MICALETTI, Vincenzo Journal: Ancient Society Volume: 55 Date: 2025 Pages: 163-189 DOI: 10.2143/AS.55.0.3295047 Abstract : Ancient literary sources portray Seleucus IV Φιλοπάτωρ (187-175) as a weak king by comparing him to his father Antiochus III and his brother Antiochus IV. After the recent discovery of the epigraphic Tel Maresha dossier, a new interest in Seleucus IV arose, as the inscription revealed his particular focus on bureaucratic and religious matters. Indeed, Seleucus IV ruled at a turning point in Seleucid history, that after the Peace of Apamea (188). Focusing on two other inscriptions, OGIS 245 and SEG VII 2, this paper aims to reconsider the politics of Seleucus IV in the context of diplomacy and cultic activity. Throughout these, Seleucus IV managed to reinforce the public image of the royal family and to maintain the unity of his vast kingdom, while also demonstrating different strategies depending on the different regions of the reign. Among the members of the oikos, Seleucus IV paid particular attention to the role of two royal women, i.e. his sister-wife Laodice IV and his mother Laodice III. Their presence in epigraphic evidence shows that Seleucus IV restored Laodice III to the court after Antiochus III had removed her, and that he continued some of the dynastic cultic policies established by his father. |
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