The Greco-Macedonian dynasty of the Seleucids (312–74 bce) takes its name from Seleucus (358/354–280), one of the leading generals ¶ of Alexander the Great. His accession to power in Babylonia on Oct 1, 312, marked the beginning of the Seleucid era. In the course of the Wars of the Diadochi (Hellenism), he succeeded in uniting large areas of the Near East, from Asia Minor and Syria to India, in an empire of some 3.5 million km2. It embraced numerous peoples, including Jews (Judaism: I), and diverse forms of territorial organization; to hold these heterog…
Seleucids(296 words)
Cite this page
Clauss, Manfred, “Seleucids”, in: Religion Past and Present. Consulted online on 19 August 2022 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/1877-5888_rpp_SIM_025448>
First published online: 2011
First print edition: ISBN: 9789004146662, 2006-2013
▲ Back to top ▲