ANTIOCHUS EUPATOR Meaning and
Definition
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Antiochus Eupator refers to a historical figure who was a Seleucid king that ruled during the Hellenistic period. The term "Antiochus Eupator" can be broken down into two components: "Antiochus" refers to the common name used by several Seleucid kings who were descendants of Antiochus I Soter, the founder of the Seleucid Empire; and "Eupator" means "well-born" or "noble" in Greek.
Antiochus Eupator specifically refers to Antiochus V, the son of Antiochus IV Epiphanes and heir to the Seleucid throne. He assumed the throne at a young age, around 10 or 11 years old, following the death of his father in 163 BCE. As a minor, his reign was marked by power struggles and internal conflicts among the Seleucid nobility, with various factions vying for control and influence.
During his brief reign, Antiochus Eupator faced challenges from rival claimants to the throne, such as Demetrius I Soter, who also sought to rule over the Seleucid Empire. These power struggles led to a turbulent period of political instability.
Antiochus Eupator ultimately met his demise in 162 BCE, just a year after ascending the throne, as he was assassinated by his own minister, Lysias, who sought to consolidate power for himself. The death of Antiochus Eupator marked the end of this particular Seleucid line and set the stage for further instability and conflicts within the empire.
Etymology of ANTIOCHUS EUPATOR
The word "Antiochus Eupator" is not of English origin but rather a combination of two Ancient Greek names.
"Antiochus" is derived from the Greek name "Αντίοχος" (Antiochos), which was a common name among the Seleucid dynasty, a Hellenistic royal family that ruled over much of the Middle East after the death of Alexander the Great. The name Antiochos itself is composed of two elements: "anti" meaning "against" or "in place of", and "ochos" meaning "chariot". Therefore, Antiochos can be translated as "against the chariot" or "in place of the chariot".
