Demetrius I Soter | |
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Basileus of the Seleucid Empire | |
Reign | November 162 – June 150 BC |
Predecessor | Antiochus V Eupator |
Successor | Alexander Balas |
Born | 185 BC |
Died | June 150 BC (aged 34 or 35) |
Spouse | Laodice V |
Issue | Demetrius II Nicator Antiochus VII Sidetes Antigonus |
Dynasty | Seleucid |
Father | Seleucus IV Philopator |
Mother | Laodice IV |
Demetrius I (Ancient Greek: Δημήτριος Α`, 185 – June 150 BC), surnamed Soter (Ancient Greek: Σωτήρ), reigned as king (basileus) of the Hellenistic Seleucid Empire from November 162 to June 150 BC. Demetrius grew up in Rome as a hostage, but returned to Greek Syria and overthrew his young cousin Antiochus V Eupator and regent Lysias. Demetrius took control during a turbulent time of the Empire, and spent much of his time fighting off revolts and challenges to his power from threats such as Timarchus and Alexander Balas.