With Seleucus IV now in charge of the Seleucid empire, let's see how the rest of the Mediterranean world is getting on. In and around the first few years of Seleucus' reign, we see Philip V attempt to install an Antigonus IV of Macedon instead of his son Perseus, a simmering anti-Roman feeling, and an exchange of hostages. All while Seleucus tries to break the terms of the Treaty of Apamea...

Sources for this episode:

TBA

Seleucus IV may be in charge of the empire as of 187 BCE, but he wasn't meant to rule. Instead, we've largely been focussed previously on his elder brother, Antiochus the Young King. So, today, let's explore what we know about the life and times of Seleucus IV before he became sole king, and catch him up to the moment when he got the news his father died.

Sources for this episode:

TBA

The rule of Antiochus III is behind us, so let's examine the years from 223 to 187 BCE and remind ourselves of just how eventful these nearly four decades have been. We'll also give Antiochus III a modern epithet that truly reflects how close he came to glory...

I have become a father! My firstborn daughter is here and is of course wonderful. However, the fact of her existence means that there may be some disruption to the podcast schedule. Thank you for your understanding!

This is part of a triple collaboration with Biopedia and Autocrat. Autocrat are discussing the founding myth of Athens, while Biopedia explore the olive trees that feature so prominently in the story. Well, here on After Alexander, it's time to examine what Athens gets up to before and after the Hellenistic Age- into the modern day.

Sources for this episode:

TBA

Defeat at Magnesia sparks collapse throughout the Seleucid empire. Antiochus III leaves his son behind in Antioch as Seleucus IV and then heads out east- only to meet his end while trying to rob a temple in Persia.

Sources for this episode:

TBA

With Antiochus III having sent delegates to Rome, it is up to the Senate to decide what to do with the defeated Seleucid kingdom. The results definitely please Eumenes II of a newly expanded Pergamon, but the Seleucids are not so happy. As of 188 BCE, it is back behind the Taurus mountains we go- forever this time...

Sources for this episode:

TBA

With the Seleucid armies shattered after Magnesia, the cities of Anatolia begin to fall like dominoes. Antiochus III finds himself with no choice but to come to the negotiating table once again- to find Africanus stealing the show off his brother once more...

Sources for this episode:

• Livy (1983), Rome and the Mediterranean. Translated by H. Bettensen. Harmondsworth: Penguin Books Ltd.
• Robinson, C. E. (1932), A History of the Roman Republic. London: Methuen & Co., Ltd.
• Author unknown, Bank of England (date unknown), Inflation calculator (online) (Accessed 13/12/2025).
• Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Antiochus III the Great (online) (Accessed 13/12/2025).
• Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), List of rulers of Bithynia (online) (Accessed 13/12/2025).
• Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Treaty of Lutatius (online) (Accessed 13/12/2025).
• Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Watches of the Night (online) (Accessed 13/12/2025).

In 190 BCE, Antiochus III faces off against the Scipio brothers near the settlement of Magnesia-by-Sipylus. The resulting battle will be a disaster for the Seleucids- and see the king go running back to Syria with his tail between his legs...

Sources for this episode:

TBA

With the Romans now in Anatolia, Antiochus III has only got so long to go before a major showdown. He tries his best to avoid it- mainly by attempting to bribe Scipio Africanus- but in the end, we are setting up for a showdown near Magnesia-by-Sipylus.

Sources for this episode:

• Bevan (1966), The House of Seleucus (Vol. II). New York: Barnes & Noble, Inc.
• Greene, R. (2002), The 48 Laws of Power. London: Profile Books Ltd.
• Livy (1983), Rome and the Mediterranean. Translated by H. Bettensen. Harmondsworth: Penguin Books Ltd.