Demetrius I Soter
| Demetrius I Soter | |
|---|---|
| Basileus of the Farsian Empire | |
| Reign | 296 – 284 BC |
| Coronation | 295 BC |
| Predecessor | Alexander X |
| Successor | Philip V |
| Born | 322 BC Crysopolis |
| Died | 284 BC |
| Spouse |
|
| Dynasty | Alcaeid dynasty |
| Father | Alexander X |
| Mother | Cleopatra II |
Demetrius I Soter commonly known by his epithet, Soter meaning "the saviour" (322- 284 BC) was the Basileus of the Farsian empire (in modern Mesogeia). He succeeded his father Alexander X on the Farsian throne in 296 BC, and reigned until his death.
Accession
In 296 BC, Demetrius' father Alexander X died in his bed after suffering from an effected wound. After waiting the prescribed months of mourning Demetrius journeyed to Farsargadae with the entire court to undergo a coronation ceremony. It should be noted that just three days after his father's death, the new Basileus traveled to each of the three major fire temples; relighting the fires that had been extinguished at his father's death. He donated generously to the fire temple at Adar Gusnas.
Demetrius was enthroned on the Celestial throne (presently the oldest continuously used throne in use) The traditional coronation ceremonies and enthronement rites that took place at Demetrius' coronation were continued by his successors and later descendants. In regards to foreign affairs Demetrius inherited a state of war with the kingdom of Karchidona.
Death and succession
After the conclusion of the second Karchidonian war in 291, Demetrius returned to Crysopolis with his new wife princess Dido. He repudiated his first wife Basilissa Apama later banishing her to Nainava. Demetrius made the mistake of announcing publicly in 289 BC, that his son by Dido would be Basileus after him; effectively removing the young Artabanus from the succession. Several members of the court were opposed to the idea of the rightful succession being ignored most notably the Princess Eirene. Demetrius' actions plunged the empire of the Alcaidids into a civil war.
The former Basilissa Apama pretended to accept the terms, even inviting the Basileus Demetrius to dine with her at her palace in Nainava. Demetrius accepted the invitation and the following day it was announced the Basileus had died from apoplexy. It was rumored that Apama had poisoned the seemingly healthy Basileus to secure her sons's succession over that of her rival's son
After his death the supporters of his first wife Apama, proclaimed Artabanus the new Basileus.
Wives and issue
Breaking from tradition Demetrius declined to marry one of his half-sisters instead he married the lady Apama of the House of Seleukos. In 291 BC he married Dido.
By his first wife, Apama he fathered three children (one son and two daughters)
- Artabanus (306-284 BC; Basileus for a short time until he was overthrown
- Apama the younger
- Cassandana
By his second wife, Princess Dido he fathered (one child)
- Hanno (289-284 BC; murdered on the orders of Apama)