ALEXANDER BALAS (i.e. "lord"), ruler of the Greek kingdom
of Syria 150-146 B.C., was a native of Smyrna of humble
origin, but gave himself out to be the son of Antiochus IV.
Epiphanes and heir to the Syrian throne. His claims were
recognized by the Roman senate, Ptolemy Philometor of
Egypt
and others. At first unsuccessful, he finally defeated
the reigning king Demetrius Soter in 150 B.C. Being now
undisputed master of Syria, he abandoned himself to a life of
debauchery. Demetrius Soter's son profited by the opportunity
to regain the throne. Ptolemy Philometor, who was Alexander's
father-in-law, went over to his side, and Alexander was defeated
in a pitched battle near Antioch in Syria. He fled for refuge
to a Nabataean prince, who murdered him and sent his head to
Ptolemy, who had been mortally wounded in the engagement.
See 1 Maccab. 10 ff.; Justin xxxv. 1 and 2; Josephus,
Antiq. xiii. 2; Appian, Sir. 67; Polybius xxxiii. 14.
Initial text from 1911 encyclopedia -- Please update as needed
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