Lot 50
Seleucid Kingdom. Antochos VIII, 121-96 BC. AR Tetradrachm (16.13 g), Ake-Ptolemais mint. Diademed head of Antiochos right. Reverse: Zeus Ouranios, in himation, stands left, holding scepter and star, crescent atop his head; regnal titles, M at left, the whole within wreath border. SNG Spaer 2554. Well-centered, stylish work. Beautifully toned, with fine iridescent coloring. NGC graded Uncirculated.
The final century of the Seleucid Dynasty was devoted in part to attempts at restoring pieces of empire lost to newer, more virile dynasties, and an even greater part to the fratricidal conflicts among the numerous heirs, successors, and claimants to the throne. In this respect, Antiochus VIII, nicknamed Grypus for his enormous beak-like nose, was a role model for his times.
The eldest son of Demetrius II and the redoubtable and ambitious daughter of Ptolemy VI, Cleopatra Thea, Grypus ascended to the throne in a joint regency with his mother after she had done away with her oldest son by Antiochus VII, Seleucus V (who was half-brother to Grypus). Their joint reign (125-121 BC) was preoccupied by the usurpations of Alexander II, Zebina. With Alexander's demise, Cleopatra chafed at sharing power with her maturing son. The oft told story has an aware and on guard Antiochus forcing his mother to drink before his eyes the poison draught she had prepared for him. After this, Grypus embarked on an undistinguished sole reign (121-96 BC) where he was mostly at war with his other half-brother by Antiochus VII, Antiochus IX, who was attempting to seize the throne for himself. Neither could gain an upper hand in their conflicts.
The once mighty Seleucid Kingdom had consisted of the wealthy and ancient empires of Near and Central Asia, encompassing modern day lands such as Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon, together with parts of Turkey, Armenia, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan. In the preceding decades it had become severely reduced. Now, with the two Antiochoi at each other's throats, the kingdom was reduced further -- into two parts.
The death of Grypus in 96 BC changed nothing. His sons and nephews continued in the Seleucid tradition, taking up arms against each other continually until Rome's Pompey the Great arrived in 64 BC and easily took over the exhausted and enfeebled kingdom.
Estimated Value $500 - 600.
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| Realized $2,160 |
