Demetrius I Soter

Demetrius I Soter
Silver tetradrachm of Demetrios I Soter, minted in Soloi, featuring a portrait of Demetrios on the obverse. SC 1611.3
Basileus of the Seleucid Empire
Reign	November 162 – June 150 BC
Predecessor	Antiochus V Eupator
Successor	Alexander Balas
Born	185 BC
Died	June 150 BC (aged 34 or 35)
Spouse	Laodice V
Issue	Demetrius II Nicator Antiochus VII Sidetes Antigonus
Dynasty	Seleucid
Father	Seleucus IV Philopator
Mother	Laodice IV

Demetrius I (Ancient Greek: Δημήτριος Α`, 185 – June 150 BC), surnamed Soter (Ancient Greek: Σωτήρ), reigned as king (basileus) of the Hellenistic Seleucid Empire from November 162 to June 150 BC. Demetrius grew up in Rome as a hostage, but returned to Greek Syria and overthrew his young cousin Antiochus V Eupator and regent Lysias. Demetrius took control during a turbulent time of the Empire, and spent much of his time fighting off revolts and challenges to his power from threats such as Timarchus and Alexander Balas.