Hi there, you're listening to the Hellenistic Age podcast.

Episode 109, the Salucod Empire, A Sinful Root. A sinful root.

Though humbled by Gaius Papilius Linus on the so-called day of Eleusus, King Antiochus had much to celebrate following his war against Egypt.

He demonstrated himself to be an able commander,

routing several Ptolemaic armies and managing to almost conquer the entirety of their kingdom,

while also reaffirming his ownership over Koyli Syria in the process. His wagon train

was loaded with the spoils plundered from Egypt's temples, along with the treasures of the temple

at Jerusalem following his attack on the rebellious city. With his nephew Antiochus executed

in 170 and a magnificent campaign under his belt, his position as king was nearly untouchable,

legitimate by any standards of the Hellenistic period. Though the empire appeared to be rather meek

under Seleucus IV, during Epiphany's reign, it had shown a newfound energy and demonstrated its

rightful position as the imperial power of Western Asia. Certainly there was still work to be done,

but it was high time that the people of Antioch

had something to celebrate.

In late 166, messengers from the Salucate court made their way across the Greek

world with news of an upcoming festival, the likes of which that had never been seen,

and inviting all to come and see a most spectacular display that was to be put

on in Syria, in the neighborhood of Daphne. Situated just south of Antioch, Daphne was a renowned

sanctuary dedicated to Apollo and Artemis, containing a natural spring and temple belonging

to the divine twins. It even possessed its own oracle. Each year, the city

would hold a festival in honor of Apollo, and given its proximity to the royal residence

and his significance as patron deity for the dynasty, Seleucan monarchs would often attend when

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