Attalus II Philadelphus
Attalus II "Brother-Loving" | |
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Greek Polytheism |
Attalus II Philadelphus (
).Family
He was the second son of Attalus I Soter and queen Apollonis of Cyzicus,[1] and ascended the throne first as co-ruler alongside his ailing brother Eumenes II in 160 BC, whose widow Stratonice of Pergamon he married in 158 BC upon Eumenes' death.[2]
Biography
Prior to becoming king, Attalus was already an accomplished military commander. In 192 BC he was sent by his brother Eumenes to
Attalus II also made frequent diplomatic visits to Rome, and sent frequent envoys such as
Attalus expanded his kingdom with the help of his good friend
In his old age, he relied upon his chief minister, named Philopoemen (Φιλοποίμην), to help him govern. He repelled a raid by the Parthians.
He was succeeded by his nephew Attalus III upon his death.
Notes
- ^ Polybius, 22.20.
- ^ Strabo, 13.4.2; Hansen, pp. 44–45; Hurwit, p. 271.
- ^ Livius. Attalus II Philadelphus.
He is present during the battle of Magnesia
- ^ Livius. Attalus II Philadelphus.
supports the Roman commander Manlius Vulso during his war against the Galatians.
- ^ Livius. Attalus II Philadelphus.
War against king Pharnaces of Pontus; territorial gains.
- ^ Livius. Attalus II Philadelphus.
On his return, Eumenes is attacked near Cirrha, and believed to be death. Attalus II becomes king and marries queen Stratonice. When Eumenes returns, Attalus cedes power.
- ^ Livius. Attalus II Philadelphus.
During the Third Macedonian War, the Romans start to distrust Eumenes and try to make Attalus king, but he is not willing to betray his brother.
- ^ Livius. Attalus II Philadelphus.
Summer 152: Attalus II, together with Ariarathes V of Cappadocia, the Egyptian king Ptolemy VI Philometor, and Rome, support Alexander I Balas, usurper in the Seleucid Empire.
- ^ Livius. Attalus II Philadelphus.
Attalus supports Nicomedes, who overthrows his father Prusias II of Bithynia.
References
- Hansen, Esther V. (1971). The Attalids of Pergamon. ISBN 0-8014-0615-3.
- Evelyn S. Shuckburgh(translator); London, New York. Macmillan (1889); Reprint Bloomington (1962).
- ISBN 0-674-99246-6.