--- title: Seleucus I Nicator author: Donald L. Wasson source: https://www.worldhistory.org/Seleucos_I/ format: machine-readable-alternate license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/) updated: 2025-11-26 --- # Seleucus I Nicator _Authored by [Donald L. Wasson](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/DWasson/)_ Seleucus I Nicator (l. c. 358-281 BCE, r. 305-281 BCE) was one of the generals of [Alexander the Great](https://www.worldhistory.org/Alexander_the_Great/) (l. 356-323 BCE) who made up the group of Diadochi ("successors") who divided the vast Macedonian [Empire](https://www.worldhistory.org/empire/) between them after the [death of Alexander the Great](https://www.worldhistory.org/article/2366/death-of-alexander-the-great/) in 323 BCE (the others being [Cassander](https://www.worldhistory.org/Cassander/), [Ptolemy](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Ptolemy/), and [Antigonus I](https://www.worldhistory.org/Antigonus_I/)). Despite not receiving his share of the fallen king's empire until several years later, Seleucus I Nicator (meaning "unconquered" or "victor") was one of the more capable of the successors of [Alexander](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Alexander/)'s empire. Seleucus and his descendants established what became known as the [Seleucid Empire](https://www.worldhistory.org/Seleucid_Empire/) (312-63 BCE) which lasted nearly 250 years. ### Early Life of Seleucus As with the other successors to Alexander, Seleucus was the son of a Macedonian nobleman, one of King Phillip II's generals. While little else of his family is known, historians do speak of a dream his mother had in which he was fathered not by Antiochus but by the [Greek](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/greek/) [god](https://www.worldhistory.org/God/) [Apollo](https://www.worldhistory.org/apollo/). In the dream she received a unique ring inscribed with the symbol of an anchor. According to the legend, Seleucus was born with the same anchor symbol in the form of a tattoo on his thigh. This oddity of birth led him to later lay claim to a divine kingship; however, some believe the entire story is a concoction, and he simply wished to emulate Alexander's similar claim to divinity. Even though his relationship to Alexander is not fully known (he may or may not have been a close companion), Seleucus followed the young Macedonian king's quest to [conquer](https://www.worldhistory.org/warfare/) the [Persian Empire](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Persian_Empire/) and defeat [Darius](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/darius/) III (r. 336-330 BCE) in a number of engagements, finally conquering the [Achaemenid](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Achaemenid/) Persian Empire by 330 BCE. The only certainty concerning Seleucus I's role in the Persian campaign is that he was one of the commanders of the *hypaspists* - the [silver](https://www.worldhistory.org/Silver/) shields. This elect guard served as a buffer between the cavalry and infantry – a kind of elite police force. Each member of the *hypaspists* was carefully chosen on an individual basis not only for their social standing (there were regular and royal *hypaspists*) but also for their physical strength and bravery. The hypaspists were known for their adept mobility and often used on special missions in rugged terrain as well as in situations that called for hand-to-hand combat. Little of Seleucus' presence is mentioned in ancient sources until the [Battle](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/battle/) of Hydaspes (326 BCE) against King Porus of India. Prior to the battle, as Alexander and his forces crossed the Hydaspes River and prepared to meet the Indian king and his elephants, Alexander changed his normal defensive alignment. He stationed his archers (over 1,000) ahead of his Companion cavalry – this served as a screen against the elephants; they were followed by the infantry, the remaining cavalry, and lastly Seleucus and his hypaspists. Alexander's deployment was sound; he had wanted to avoid putting his cavalry directly against the elephants. Luckily for Alexander and his men, the elephants proved ineffective, actually doing more harm to the Indians than the Macedonians. As Alexander had moved across Asia battling the Persians from [Granicus](https://www.worldhistory.org/Battle_of_the_Granicus/) (334 BCE) through [Issus](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Issus/) (333 BCE) and [Gaugamela](https://www.worldhistory.org/Battle_of_Gaugamela/) (331 BCE), he had hoped to unite the two worlds, spreading [Hellenistic](https://www.worldhistory.org/Hellenic_World/) [culture](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/culture/). Hydaspes, however, proved to be Alexander's last major conflict; he would and could go no further. After defeating King Porus in India, his men balked at going any further. Despite his plans, Alexander was forced to return to [Babylon](https://www.worldhistory.org/babylon/). While there he had to come to terms with rebellions, not only by the Persian provinces but also many of his own men. They resented the presence of Persians within the army and being forced to take Persian wives. (Only Seleucus kept his Persian wife, Apama). Alexander died in 323 BCE before many of these problems could be resolved. ### Alexander's [Death](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Death/) While Seleucus's name does not appear among those who chose to rebel against Alexander, it is mentioned just prior to the death of Alexander. The question arose among his generals– what to do with the body of the fallen king if he dies. The historian [Plutarch](https://www.worldhistory.org/plutarch/) in his *The Life of Alexander* mentions Seleucus only one time when he wrote: > It was also on this day that Python and Seleucus were sent to the sanctuary of Sarapis to ask if they should bring Alexander there, but the god told them to leave him where he was. And then he died late in the afternoon of the twenty-eighth. [ ![Map of the Cities Named Alexandria by Alexander the Great](https://www.worldhistory.org/img/r/p/750x750/14368.png?v=1776325295-1772605573) Map of the Cities Named Alexandria by Alexander the Great Simeon Netchev (CC BY-NC-ND) ](https://www.worldhistory.org/image/14368/map-of-the-cities-named-alexandria-by-alexander-th/ "Map of the Cities Named Alexandria by Alexander the Great")With Alexander dead, the future of the empire lay in ruin. Who was to rule? Historians differ on what happened on that fateful day. Although most suggest Alexander was silent or unable to speak, some claim he did not name any one specifically, only saying his successor was to be the strongest. One of his generals, [Perdiccas](https://www.worldhistory.org/Perdiccas/), advised the others to delay a decision until the birth of Alexander's child (the future Alexander IV) by his wife, [Roxanne](https://www.worldhistory.org/Roxanne/). Ptolemy, choosing not to wait, led the fight to have the empire divided among the surviving generals. Perdiccas lost the argument and the empire was divided – the Wars of Diadochi or Wars of Successors began. The alliances that formed after the divide were tenuous at best, and the [war](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/War/) would endure for another 50 years. ### The Successor Wars The reason for Ptolemy's desire to divide the empire was a selfish one, for he achieved a long-time goal and acquired [Egypt](https://www.worldhistory.org/egypt/). While he proved to be a capable “pharaoh,” one of his first acts was to kidnap the body of Alexander and bring him to Egypt. Perdiccas, who saw himself as the true successor to Alexander, had planned to ship the king's body to Macedonia where a [tomb](https://www.worldhistory.org/tomb/) was being constructed; however, Ptolemy stole the body as it arrived in Damascus. This action led to an immediate and lengthy war between Perdiccas and Ptolemy. Although he served as an officer under Perdiccas and at first sided with him, Seleucus turned against him and aligned himself with Ptolemy. Some historians even believe he took part in Perdiccas' assassination. As a reward for his assistance, Seleucus was named governor of Babylon by [Antipater](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Antipater/). [ ![Map of the Hellenistic Kingdoms after Alexander, c.301 BCE](https://www.worldhistory.org/img/r/p/750x750/14355.png?v=1773836898-1758349597) Map of the Hellenistic Kingdoms after Alexander, c.301 BCE Simeon Netchev (CC BY-NC-ND) ](https://www.worldhistory.org/image/14355/map-of-the-hellenistic-kingdoms-after-alexander-c3/ "Map of the Hellenistic Kingdoms after Alexander, c.301 BCE")Because of jealousy and ambition among the other successors, Seleucus was unable to maintain his province's borders, and when [Antigonus](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Antigonus/) the One-Eyed invaded Babylon, Seleucus fled to Egypt in 316 BCE, seeking assistance and refuge from Ptolemy. In 312 BCE, and with the assistance of Ptolemy, Cassander and [Lysimachos](https://www.worldhistory.org/Lysimachus/), Seleucus was able to defeat Antigonus in the Battle of Gaza and regain his lost territory. ### Seleucus' Empire Over the next few years, he assisted in the defeat and death of Antigonus at the Battle of Ipsus in 301 BCE, expanding his empire into [Syria](https://www.worldhistory.org/syria/). Later, he captured the son of Antigonus, Demetrios, and held him prisoner until Demetrios' death in 285 BCE. Likewise, Seleucus proved himself to be a capable general and strategist in his own right; he expanded his own territory into [Asia Minor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Asia_Minor/) and India, making peace and securing his southern border with the Indian ruler [Chandragupta](https://www.worldhistory.org/Chandragupta_Maurya/). He built the [cities](https://www.worldhistory.org/city/) of [Antioch](https://www.worldhistory.org/Antiochia/) (his new capital) and Seleucia located on the Tigris River. At the Battle of Corupedium, he defeated and killed Lysimachos, setting his eyes on Macedonia; however, he never succeeded in his [conquest](https://www.worldhistory.org/warfare/), dying in his attempt, killed by the son of his former ally, Ptolemy, who had wanted Macedonia for himself. Seleucus' memory would survive long after him, for his family established an empire that would live for generations to come. #### Editorial Review This human-authored definition has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/). ## Bibliography - [Dodge, Theodore Ayrault. *Alexander.* Ovidian Books, 2017.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/B074F9TPKM/) - [Green, Peter. *The Hellenistic Age.* Modern Library, 2007.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/067964279X/) - [Plutarch & Clough, Arthur Hugh & Dryden, John & Hanson, Victor Davis. *The Life of Alexander the Great .* Modern Library, 2004.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/0812971337/) - [Robin Lane Fox. *Alexander The Great.* Dial Press., New York, 1973.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/B000JJTLCA/) - [Sacks, David & Brody, Lisa R. & Murray, Oswyn. *Encyclopedia Of The Ancient Greek World.* Facts on File, 2024.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/0816057222/) - [Sheppard, Ruth. *Alexander the Great at War.* Osprey Publishing, 2010.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/1435126963/) - [Siculus, Diodorus. *Complete Works of Diodorus Siculus .* Delphi Classics, 2014.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/B00L84YPXU/) - [Strauss, Barry. *Masters of Command.* Simon & Schuster, 2013.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/1439164495/) ## About the Author Donald has taught Ancient, Medieval and U.S. History at Lincoln College (Normal, Illinois)and has always been and will always be a student of history, ever since learning about Alexander the Great. He is eager to pass knowledge on to his students. ## Timeline - **322 BCE - 275 BCE**: The [Wars of the Diadochi](https://www.worldhistory.org/Wars_of_the_Diadochi/), also known as the Wars of [Alexander](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Alexander/)'s Successors. - **321 BCE - 315 BCE**: [Seleucos](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Seleucos/) rules the satrapy of [Babylon](https://www.worldhistory.org/babylon/). - **312 BCE**: [Demetrius I of Macedon](https://www.worldhistory.org/Demetrius_I_of_Macedon/) loses the [Battle](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/battle/) of [Giza](https://www.worldhistory.org/giza/) against [Ptolemy I](https://www.worldhistory.org/Ptolemy_I/) and [Seleucus I Nicator](https://www.worldhistory.org/Seleucos_I/). - **312 BCE**: Evagros is killed in [battle](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/battle/) by [Seleucos I](https://www.worldhistory.org/Seleucos_I/). [Persis](https://www.worldhistory.org/Persis/) comes under [Seleucid](https://www.worldhistory.org/Seleucid_Empire/) rule. - **312 BCE**: [Seleucos](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Seleucos/) conquers [Babylon](https://www.worldhistory.org/babylon/) and founds the [Seleucid](https://www.worldhistory.org/Seleucid_Empire/) dynasty. - **305 BCE**: Emperor [Chandragupta](https://www.worldhistory.org/Chandragupta_Maurya/) signs a treaty with [Seleucos I](https://www.worldhistory.org/Seleucos_I/), establishing borders and giving the Punjab to Chandragupta in return for 500 [war](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/War/) elephants. - **304 BCE**: [Seleucos I](https://www.worldhistory.org/Seleucos_I/) refounds and renames the ancient [city](https://www.worldhistory.org/city/) thereafter known as [Edessa](https://www.worldhistory.org/edessa/). - **301 BCE**: [Battle](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/battle/) of Ipsos. [Death](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Death/) of [Antigonos](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Antigonos/), rise to power of [Lysimachus](https://www.worldhistory.org/Lysimachus/) and Seleucus. - **301 BCE - 299 BCE**: [Antioch](https://www.worldhistory.org/Antiochia/) founded by [Seleucos I](https://www.worldhistory.org/Seleucos_I/) Nicator. - **c. 299 BCE**: Demetrius I marries Stratonice, daughter of Seleucus I and in return Demetrius is given [Cilicia](https://www.worldhistory.org/Cilicia/). - **c. 295 BCE**: [Seleucos I](https://www.worldhistory.org/Seleucos_I/) makes an alliance with local [Persis](https://www.worldhistory.org/Persis/) dynast, Ardaxsir, becoming the first frataraka of Persis. - **293 BCE**: [Antiochos](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/antiochos/) is appointed vice-king of the Upper-Satrapies by his father [Seleucus I Nicator](https://www.worldhistory.org/Seleucos_I/). - **285 BCE**: Demetrius I surrenders to Seleucus I and lives as a prsioner for three years until his [death](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Death/). ## External Links - [List of Rulers of the Ancient Greek World | Lists of Rulers | Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History | The Metropolitan Museum of Art](https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/gkru/hd_gkru.htm) ## Cite This Work ### APA Wasson, D. L. (2012, May 29). Seleucus I Nicator. *World History Encyclopedia*. [https://www.worldhistory.org/Seleucos\_I/](https://www.worldhistory.org/Seleucos_I/) ### Chicago Wasson, Donald L.. "Seleucus I Nicator." *World History Encyclopedia*, May 29, 2012. [https://www.worldhistory.org/Seleucos\_I/](https://www.worldhistory.org/Seleucos_I/). ### MLA Wasson, Donald L.. "Seleucus I Nicator." *World History Encyclopedia*, 29 May 2012, [https://www.worldhistory.org/Seleucos\_I/](https://www.worldhistory.org/Seleucos_I/). ## License & Copyright Submitted by [Donald L. Wasson](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/DWasson/ "User Page: Donald L. Wasson"), published on 29 May 2012. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/deed.en). 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