Seleucus I Nicator (358–281 BCE)

Question 1

Who was Seleucus I Nicator?

Answer 1

One of Alexander the Great’s generals and founder of the Seleucid Empire.

Question 2

When was Seleucus I Nicator born?

Answer 2

Around 358 BCE.

Question 3

Where was Seleucus I Nicator born?

Answer 3

In the Macedonian town of Europos.

Question 4

Which empire did Seleucus I Nicator establish?

Answer 4

The Seleucid Empire.

Question 5

What was the significance of the Battle of Ipsus in 301 BCE?

Answer 5

It solidified Seleucus’ power by defeating Antigonus I Monophthalmus.

Question 6

Who did Seleucus I Nicator clash with before making a peace treaty?

Answer 6

The Indian emperor Chandragupta Maurya.

Question 7

Which cities did Seleucus I Nicator found?

Answer 7

Antioch and Seleucia on the Tigris.

Question 8

After which major figure’s death did Seleucus begin his rise to power?

Answer 8

After the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BCE.

Question 9

What military unit did Seleucus command under Alexander the Great?

Answer 9

The elite unit of ‘Shield-Bearers’ (Hypaspists).

Question 10

What key challenge did Seleucus face in ruling his empire?

Answer 10

Managing a vast, multi-ethnic empire that spanned from Asia Minor to the Indus.

Question 11

Which battle marked the end of Seleucus’ rivals and solidified his control over the eastern regions?

Answer 11

The Battle of Ipsus.

Question 12

How did Seleucus die?

Answer 12

He was assassinated in 281 BCE by Ptolemy Keraunos.

Question 13

What significant exchange occurred between Seleucus and Chandragupta Maurya?

Answer 13

Seleucus ceded territory to Chandragupta in exchange for 500 war elephants.

Question 14

Which god did Seleucus claim as his divine father?

Answer 14

Apollo.

Question 15

Which belief did Seleucus claim marked him as favored by the gods?

Answer 15

That he had a ‘mark’ from a thunderbolt on his thigh.

Question 16

What was the Seleucid Empire’s cultural contribution?

Answer 16

It spread Hellenistic culture across the Near East, blending Greek and local traditions.

Question 17

Why is Seleucus remembered as a significant figure in history?

Answer 17

He founded a major Hellenistic empire and played a key role in the spread of Greek culture.

Question 18

How did the wars of the Diadochi shape Seleucus’ career?

Answer 18

They allowed him to rise in power by defeating rivals and consolidating control over Alexander’s former territories.

Question 19

What is an interesting fact about Seleucus’ military strategy?

Answer 19

He used 500 war elephants from Chandragupta in the Battle of Ipsus.

Question 20

What lasting legacy did Seleucus leave through city-building?

Answer 20

Cities like Antioch became key centers of Hellenistic culture and commerce for centuries.

Question 21

What is a funny or entertaining fact about Seleucus I Nicator?

Answer 21

He claimed to have been marked by a thunderbolt on his thigh, as proof of divine favor.

Question 22

Why did Seleucus face numerous challenges as a ruler?

Answer 22

He had to manage a vast, diverse empire and navigate rivalries with other Diadochi.

Question 23

Which dynasty did Seleucus establish after founding his empire?

Answer 23

The Seleucid Dynasty.

Question 24

How did Seleucus influence the future of trade and culture in the East?

Answer 24

By founding cities and promoting Greek culture, he influenced the development of the Silk Road.