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Tetradrachm - Alexander II Zabinas
| Issuer | Seleucid Empire |
|---|---|
| Year | 128 BC - 122 BC |
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| Diameter | 29 mm |
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| Edge | Plain |
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| Mintage | ND (128 BC - 122 BC) - SC2 2214a |
| Additional information |
Alexander II Zabinas was a pretender whose very existence was engineered by Ptolemy VIII of Egypt, who backed him against the legitimate Seleucid line as a destabilizing proxy. The name "Zabinas" — likely derived from an Aramaic word meaning "purchased" or "bought" — was a slur applied by his enemies, implying he was Ptolemy's bought man rather than a true Seleucid heir. He defeated and killed Demetrius II at Damascus in 125 BC, briefly controlling most of the empire.
His reign collapsed when Ptolemy withdrew support, reportedly after Zabinas sold off temple treasures to fund his wars. Antiochus VIII had him executed in 122 BC.