Antiochus III, called the Great 242-187BC
Seleucid King of Syria

The grandson of Antiochus II, he succeeded his brother in 223BC. He waged war against Ptolemy IV, Philopator, obtained Palestine and Coele-Syria (198), and married his daughter Cleopatra to the young King Ptolemy V of Egypt, which became almost a Seleucid protectorate. He afterwards became involved in war with the Romans, but refused to invade Italy at Hannibal's request. He entered Greece, but was defeated at Thermopylae (191), and by Scipio the Elder at Magnesia (190/189). Peace was granted him only on condition of his yielding all his dominions west of Mount Taurus, and paying a heavy tribute. To raise the money, he attacked a rich temple in Elymais, when the people rose against him, and killed him.

Bibliography: Edwin Robert Bevan, The House of Seleucus (2 vols, 1902)