Ziaelas of Bithynia

Ziaelas (Greek: Ζιαήλας; lived c. 265 BC – 228 BC, reigned c. 254 BC – 228 BC), third king of Bithynia, was a son of Nicomedes I and Ditizele.

Ziaelas
Basileus of Bithynia
King of Bithynia
Reignc. 254 BC - 228 BC
PredecessorEtazeta
SuccessorPrusias I
Bornc. 265 BC
Died228 BC (age 37)
IssuePrusias I
FatherNicomedes I

Life

Following the death of Nicomedes I, his second wife Etazeta of Bithynia acted as regent on behalf of her infant sons. Nicomedes' adult son from his first marriage Ziaelas, was denied the chance to ascend the throne, leading him to flee to the Armenia and taken refuge at the court of King Arsames I in Sophene. Upon his father's death he immediately endeavoured to regain his rights by force, and returned, aided by some Galatians. Although Etazeta was supported by neighbouring cities and Antigonus II Gonatas, Ziaelas rapidly conquered Bithynia, forcing Etazeta and her sons to escape to the court of Antigonus in about 254 BC.[1]

During the Fraternal War between Seleucus II Callinicus and Antiochus Hierax, he seized the opportunity to attack the latter, trying to conquer Asia Minor[2] They later became allies and his daughter, born c. 245 BC, married Hierax.[3]

He was succeeded by his son Prusias I about 228 BC after being killed by the Galatians.[4][5] Like his father and his grandfather he also founded a new city named after him, Ziaela, but the location of the city is unknown.[6].

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References
  1. Memnon, History of Heracleia, 14
  2. Justin, Epitome of Pompeius Trogus, xxvii. 2-3
  3. Eusebius, Chronicon (Schoene ed.), pag. 251
  4. Athenaeus, Deipnosophistae, II. 58, citing Phylarchus
  5. Pompeius Trogus, Prologi, 27
  6. Stephanus, Ethnica, s.v. "Ziela"

Sources
  • Cohen, Getzel M.; The Hellenistic Settlements in Europe, the Islands and Asia Minor (1996), "Ziela"
  • Smith, William (editor); Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology, "Zeilas", Boston, (1867)
  •  This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Smith, William, ed. (1870). "Zeilas". Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology. 3. p. 1310.
Preceded by
Etazeta		 King of Bithynia
254 BC – 228 BC		 Succeeded by
Prusias I
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