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Diodotus TryphonKing of Syria
Date of Birth: .
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Content:
- The Ambitious General: Tryphon
- Seeking Alliances
- Usurpation and the Downfall of Antiochus VI
- The Murder of Antiochus VI
The Ambitious General: Tryphon
Ascension to PowerIn 145 BC, Tryphon, a general under Demetrius I Soter, took advantage of the power vacuum created by the death of Alexander Balas. He proclaimed Balas' young son, Antiochus VI, king, but eventually overthrew him in 142 BC and seized control of Coele-Syria, a region where Demetrius II Nicator's harsh treatment of the Jews had made him unpopular.
Seeking Alliances
Recognizing the complex political landscape of the Seleucid Empire, Tryphon sought alliances to strengthen his position. He secured the support of the Hasmoneans, who had been fighting against Demetrius II. In 141 BC, Tryphon invited the Hasmonean high priest, Jonathan, to a friendly meeting in Ptolemais. He persuaded Jonathan to dismiss his 40,000-strong army in exchange for several fortresses. However, upon Jonathan's arrival with an escort of 1,000 men, Tryphon's forces massacred them and imprisoned the high priest.
Usurpation and the Downfall of Antiochus VI
Jonathan's brother, Simon, was chosen as the new high priest and aligned himself with Antiochus VII Sidetes, who opposed Tryphon. In 138 BC, Antiochus VII defeated Tryphon, who subsequently committed suicide.
The Murder of Antiochus VI
In 138 BC, Tryphon announced that Antiochus VI was ill and required a surgical operation. It is believed that the alleged illness was a facade to conceal the murder of the young king.
