Definition:
The Seleucid Empire was created out of part of Macedonian Empire, after the death of Alexander the Great. The Seleucid Dynasty ruled the area from 312-64 B.C. It covered Syria and a part of western Asia, with a capital at Antioch. At its height, extended from southern coast of modern Turkey south through Palestine and east to India's border. It incorporated policies of the Achaemenid rulers in its policy, including using local people and satrapies for administration.
Although the Seleucids lost territory through the centuries, it came to an end when Pompey annexed Syria in 64 B.C.
Sources:
- Susan Mary Sherwin-White "Seleucids" The Oxford Classical Dictionary. Simon Hornblower and Anthony Spawforth. © Oxford University Press 1949, 1970, 1996, 2005.
- "Seleucid" A Dictionary of World History. Oxford University Press, 2000.
