Antiochus IV Epiphanes died only a few years later in 164 BCE, having ruled the Seleucid Empire for 11 years, by which time it was much diminished on the world stage. His death would lead to a longer period of instability that would ultimately prove disastrous for the once-great empire.
After Antiochus a series of conflicts began, known to historians as The Seleucid Dynastic Wars, which began with the return of Demetrius, the nephew who was exiled in Rome at the time of the death of Antiochus III and whose right to the throne was suppressed. After claiming the throne, Demetrius attempted to regain control of Judaea but died in battle against Alexander Balas, an impostor backed by Rome and Egypt who claimed to be the son of Antiochus IV Epiphanes. Balas became ruler, but five years later he was killed after an uprising by Demetrius’ son, Demetrius II, who himself was later assassinated.
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Such conflicts over control of the empire continued in such a way for decades, a period of irreversible decline. But soon, the attempts of those who sought to seize rule over the Seleucids were shown to be in vain. In 63 BCE, the lands of the Seleucid Empire fell under the control of Rome, and Antiochus’ once great empire was no more.
