Classical Antiquity
Seleucid Empire
312 BC – 63 BC · peak 280 BC
The Seleucid Empire emerged from the partition of Alexander's empire and was founded by Seleucus I Nicator in 312 BC. It ruled a vast territory from Syria to Iran, maintaining Hellenistic cities, military colonies and local administrations. Wars with the Ptolemies, Parthians and Anatolian powers progressively reduced its reach, until the Roman conquest of Syria in 64 BC.
Capital: Seleucia / Antiochia
Battles in this period
Trade routes in use
- Amber Road (1500 BC – 500 AD)
- Incense Route (1000 BC – 400 AD)
- Persian Royal Road (500 BC – 300 BC)
- Phoenician Mediterranean Routes (1100 BC – 300 BC)
- Silk Road (130 BC – 1450 AD)