Demetrius II Nicator (Seleucid)
−145 · until −138
Hebrew year: 3616 (ג׳תרט״ז)
Open on the interactive timeline
Demetrius II Nicator was a Seleucid king whose reign was divided by dynastic struggles and captivity among the Parthians. He first gained the throne in −145 after the defeat of Alexander Balas.
During his conflict with Diodotus Tryphon, Demetrius sought Jewish support and granted important concessions to Simon Maccabeus. Around −142, his government recognized exemptions from tribute, helping establish effective Jewish political autonomy under Hasmonean leadership.
Demetrius was captured by the Parthians in −138 and later returned to rule. His reign is independently documented through coins and classical sources, while the concessions to Simon are described in 1 Maccabees 13.
- Hebrew year
- 3616 (ג׳תרט״ז)
- Place
- Antioch
- Category
- Foreign rulers & empires
- Part of
- Hasmonean Kingdom
At the same time
Yehoshua ben Perachyah & Nittai of Arbela−150 – −100
Simon Thassi (High Priest & Ruler)−142 – −134
Jonathan Apphus (High Priest)−160 – −142
