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Alexander II ZabinaKing of Syria in 126-123. BC
Country:
 Syria |
Content:
- Alexander II Zabinas: The Usurping King of Syria (126-123 BC)
- The Syrian Uprising
- Victory and Triumph
- Hubris and Rebellion
- Defeat and Demise
- Sacrilege and Death
Alexander II Zabinas: The Usurping King of Syria (126-123 BC)
Early Life and Ascent to PowerIn 129 BC, as King Demetrius II of Syria prepared to invade Egypt, Egyptian Pharaoh Ptolemy VII plotted to destabilize Syria by supporting a pretender to the throne. A young Egyptian merchant named Alexander, claimed to be a descendant of Antiochus VII, was sent to Egypt to lead a revolt against Demetrius.
The Syrian Uprising
The Syrian populace, weary of Demetrius' arrogance, welcomed Alexander as their king. He was granted massive military support from Egypt, and as Demetrius returned to Syria with the remains of Antiochus VII, Alexander's popularity soared. His apparent grief at Antiochus' death earned him the affection of the people.
Victory and Triumph
In 126 BC, Alexander confronted Demetrius in battle and emerged victorious. Demetrius was killed while fleeing, leaving Alexander as the undisputed king of Syria. However, Alexander's success soon led to his downfall.
Hubris and Rebellion
Alexander's pride grew as his power increased. He mistreated his supporters and neglected his alliances, including Ptolemy, to whom he owed his throne. Ptolemy, furious at Alexander's ingratitude, backed a new pretender, Antiochus Grypus, son of Demetrius II.
Defeat and Demise
As Grypus gained support, Alexander's forces dwindled. In 123 BC, the two armies met in battle, with Grypus emerging victorious. Alexander retreated to Antioch, where he resorted to desperate measures to fund his army. He seized the golden statue of Victory from the Temple of Zeus, mockingly claiming it was a "loan."
Sacrilege and Death
Alexander's sacrilege enraged the populace, and he was forced to flee. As he sought refuge from a storm, he was captured by robbers and delivered to Grypus, who ordered his execution (Justin, 39:1-2). Thus ended the reign of Alexander II Zabinas, the usurper who ascended to the throne of Syria only to fall victim to his own pride and arrogance.
