The Seleucid Empire emerged as one of the largest successor states to Alexander the Great's conquests, playing a pivotal role in disseminating Hellenistic culture across the Near East and beyond. Founded in 312 BC by Seleucus I Nicator, it initially spanned from Thrace and Anatolia in the west to the Indus Valley in the east, though eastern territories were soon ceded to local powers like the Mauryan Empire. At its height under Antiochus III (r. 222–187 BC), it encompassed the eastern Mediterranean, Mesopotamia, and parts of Iran and Central Asia. The Seleucids governed a multicultural populace through a formidable military - featuring innovative units such as Indian war elephants for shock tactics and heavily armored cataphract cavalry - alongside claims of divine kingship and the establishment of Greek-influenced cities, such as Antioch-on-the-Orontes, which evolved into a vibrant cultural hub. However, the empire grappled with internal dynastic conflicts, protracted wars against the Ptolemaic Kingdom (the Syrian Wars), and challenges in administering remote provinces. By the mid-third century BC, regions like Bactria (c. 250 BC) and Parthia (c. 247 BC) seceded, initiating gradual fragmentation. A major setback came with defeat by Rome at the Battle of Magnesia in 190 BC, followed by the Treaty of Apamea (188 BC), which stripped away western Anatolian holdings and imposed heavy indemnities. Persistent civil strife, rebellions (including the Maccabean Revolt, 167–160 BC), and incursions from Parthia and Armenia further diminished its power, culminating in Roman annexation of the remaining Syrian core in 64 BC by Pompey. Despite its eventual collapse, the Seleucid Empire endured for nearly 250 years and left an enduring legacy by blending Greek and Near Eastern traditions, influencing art, governance, and trade routes that shaped the Hellenistic and subsequent eras.

Yes that's the correct workflow Welcome to the forums and thanks for your interest in 0 A.D.

Currently the whole history-description of athens is: On my screen this covers 4 of 5 lines. If there is more then 5 lines there is a scrollbar. So don't worry about a too long text. While at it, the Seleucids could have a longer history-description. Currently it's only:

If I can provide a longer summary, I would suggest this: Ancient Athens rose to imperial power in the mid-fifth century BC after the Persian Wars by transforming the Delian League into the Athenian empire. This empire, which dominated the Aegean through tribute and naval supremacy, collapsed in 404 BC at the end of the Peloponnesian War. Athens later regained some influence in the fourth century BC through the Second Athenian League (378–355 BC) and remained a leading city-state. However, it lost its political independence after the defeat at the Battle of Chaeronea in 338 BC, when Philip II of Macedon imposed the League of Corinth upon Greece. Although Athens subsequently attempted to recover its autonomy -most notably during the Lamian War (323–322 BC), the Chremonidean War (267–261 BC), and its revolt in the First Mithridatic War (88–86 BC) - all efforts failed. The city never regained full sovereignty and eventually became a Roman protectorate.

Nova massa (2).zip