Seleucus I Nicator

Timeline

1. c. -358–-323Europos · EuroposSeleucus came from the Macedonian nobility and held various important posts under Alexander's eastern campaigns, including commander of the royal cavalry guard. During the campaigns he participated in the conquest of the Persian Empire and the Indian expedition, accumulating prestige and combat experience in the army.
2. -323–-305Babylon · BabylonAfter Alexander's death Seleucus obtained Babylon, but was at one point driven out and exiled by Antigonus. In the Wars of the Diadochi he allied with Ptolemy, Cassander, and others; after many battles he recaptured Babylon and expanded eastward, gradually controlling most of Mesopotamia and the Iranian Plateau.
3. -305–-281Seleucia · SeleuciaAround 305 BCE Seleucus formally took the title of king and founded the Seleucid Empire. He promoted Greek colonial cities and rebuilt Babylon's administrative system, extending his power to Asia Minor and the Central Asian frontier. In his later years he contested Asia Minor with Lysimachus; in 281 BCE he defeated and killed Lysimachus at the Battle of Corupedium, and was shortly afterward assassinated by Ptolemy Ceraunus while crossing the sea.