SELEUKID KINGS of SYRIA. Alexander II Zabinas (128-122 BC).Antioch on the Orontes.Tetradrachm.

Obv : Diademed head right.

Rev : ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟY.
Zeus seated left, holding Nike and scepter;in outer left field, ;below throne, star above .
SC 2218b; HGC 1149d.
EX BIGA.

Condition : The coin is in decent condition, with some surface wear and a slightly rough texture visible on both sides. The patina is a soft silver-gray, giving it an aged and weathered appearance, though the details of the portrait and seated figure on the reverse are still discernible. The overall surface shows natural signs of age but retains enough detail to appreciate its historical value.Very fine.

Material : Silver.
Axis : 12h

Weight : 15.67 gr
Diameter : 29 mm

Alexander II Zabinas was a claimant to the Seleucid throne in Syria during the late 2nd century BCE, ruling from 128 to 123 BCE. His reign took place during a period of intense political instability and fragmentation within the Seleucid Empire, as multiple contenders vied for control over what was left of the once vast empire.

Zabinas’ rise to power was marked by intrigue and external manipulation. He was not of royal Seleucid lineage but claimed to be the adopted son of the former king, Alexander I Balas. His real name and origins are somewhat obscure, and many historians believe he was a commoner who was used as a puppet by powerful external forces. The Ptolemaic king of Egypt, Ptolemy VIII, played a key role in supporting Zabinas in his bid for the throne. Ptolemy saw an opportunity to weaken the Seleucids by backing a rival claimant, as the Seleucid Empire had long been a competitor to Ptolemaic Egypt for influence in the eastern Mediterranean and the Near East.

With Ptolemaic military and financial backing, Alexander II Zabinas was able to challenge the reigning Seleucid king, Demetrius II Nicator. Zabinas initially found success, defeating Demetrius in battle and gaining control over the key city of Antioch, the Seleucid capital. His victory was a significant blow to Demetrius II, who was eventually killed, leaving Zabinas as the de facto ruler of much of the Seleucid realm.

Despite this early success, Zabinas’ rule was short-lived and unstable. His power base relied heavily on his alliance with Ptolemy VIII, and when relations between Zabinas and the Ptolemaic court soured, his position quickly deteriorated. Without the crucial support of Egypt, Zabinas found it difficult to maintain control over the fragmented Seleucid territories. Additionally, he faced opposition from other Seleucid claimants, particularly Antiochus VIII Grypus, another contender to the throne, who had stronger claims to royal legitimacy.

Zabinas' reign came to an end in 123 BCE when he was defeated by Antiochus VIII Grypus. After his defeat, Zabinas attempted to flee, but he was eventually captured and executed. His downfall marked the end of his brief and tumultuous reign, and the Seleucid Empire continued to fragment as rival claimants fought for dominance.

Alexander II Zabinas is often seen as a figure who briefly took advantage of the chaos within the Seleucid Empire but ultimately lacked the legitimacy and support needed to secure long-term power. His rule is a reflection of the declining state of the Seleucid Empire during the 2nd century BCE, as internal strife, external pressures, and the rise of rival powers like Rome and Parthia led to its gradual disintegration.