Seleucus III Ceraunus

Coin of Seleucus III. Greek inscription reads [Β]ΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ [Σ]ΕΛΕΥΚΟΥ (king Seleucus).

Seleucus III Soter, called Seleucus Ceraunus (Greek: Σέλευκος Γ΄ ὁ Σωτήρ, ὁ Κεραυνός; ca. 243 BC – 223 BC), was a ruler of the Hellenistic Seleucid Kingdom, the eldest son of Seleucus II Callinicus and Laodice II. His birth name was Alexander and was named after his great uncle the Seleucid official Alexander. Alexander changed his name to Seleucus after he succeeded his father as King. After a brief reign of three years (225–223 BC), Seleucus was assassinated in Anatolia by members of his army while on campaign against Attalus I of Pergamon. His official byname Soter means "Saviour", while his nickname Ceraunus means "Thunderbolt".

External links

• Seleucus III Soter entry in historical sourcebook by Mahlon H. Smith

Seleucus III Ceraunus Seleucid dynasty Born: ca. 243 BC Died: 223 BC
Preceded by Seleucus II Callinicus	Seleucid King 225–223 BC	Succeeded by Antiochus III the Great