Seleukos Nikator: Constructing a Hellenistic Kingdom

Seleukos Nikator, one of Alexander the Great's commanders, was the most successful successor of the great conqueror. Over a period of 40 years from the death of Alexander in 323 BC, he patiently built his power, starting with nothing (he was a landless refugee for a time), but passing on to his son an empire which stretched from India to Greece. He was followed by an almost equally capable son, Antiochos, who defended and consolidated his father's achievement. Between them Seleukos and Antiochos created a state which lasted for the next two centuries. This biography traces the stages of Seleukos' life as he added province to province, kingdom to kingdom. He emerges as a modestly proficient general, an excellent strategist, a consummate diplomat, and an inventive and constructive ruler. The diversity of his empire required intelligence of a high order to hold it together, to conciliate Babylonian priests, dominate Iranian horsemen, survive Indian defeats, recruit Greek and Macedonian expertise, and defeat barbarian incursions. The weapons he used were as various as the tasks he faced: establishing new cities, bluffing priests, marriage and divorce, inventing an administration, and deploying skilful propaganda.