Seleucus IV Philopator

Seleucus IV Philopator (born c. 217 bc—died 175 bc) was the seventh king (reigned 187–175 bc) of the Seleucid dynasty, son of Antiochus III the Great.

Although the empire that Seleucus inherited was not so great as the one over which his father had ruled before the war with Rome (190–189), it was still large, consisting of Syria (including Cilicia and Palestine), Mesopotamia, Babylonia, and nearer Iran (Media and Persia). Because of financial difficulties, created in part by the heavy war indemnity exacted by Rome, Seleucus was compelled to pursue a policy devoid of expensive adventures. His unambitious policy and care were also dictated by the fact that his son and heir, Demetrius, had been sent to Rome as a hostage for his father. When Seleucus was assassinated in 175 by his chief minister Heliodorus, his brother Antiochus seized the throne.