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Diodotus Tryphon

Diodotus Tryphon ("the magnificent"): name of a king of the Seleucid Empire, ruled from 140 to 138.

Portrait of an unidentified Hellenistic ruler

Born in Casiane near Apamea
General of Demetrius I Soter, but defects to the usurper Alexander I Balas, who revolts in 152 and becomes king in 150; Diodotus ensures that Alexander can capture Antioch
145 or 144: Alexander is defeated and killed by Demetrius II Nicator, son of Demetrius I
Diodotus takes care of Alexander's two years old son Antiochus VI, and is able to continue the struggle against Demetrius, supported by the Hasmonaean leader Jonathan
143: Jonathan killed
142: Demetrius recognizes Simon as high priest in Jerusalem
In the confusion, the Parthian king Mithradates I the Great (r.165-132) conquers Media and Babylonia
141 or 140: Diodotus kills Antiochus VI and usurps the kingship; he calls himself Diodotus Tryphon; he is not recognized by Rome
139: Mithradates continues his conquests: he occupies Susa and Elam
July/August 138: Demetrius taken captive by the Parthians
After August 138: Demetrius' brother Antiochus VII Sidetes, supported by several parties, attacks Diodotus Tryphon, and besieges him at Dor
Tryphon escapes but commits suicide in Apamea

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