• Seleucid kingdom

The entire Persian empire was conquered by Alexander the Great between 332 and 323 BC. In the years after his early death, this vast empire was carved up between his leading generals, and Seleucus Nicator took over the bulk of his Asiatic dominions, thus founding a huge kingdom.

Seleucus’ descendants have ruled this territory since then, and have exercised enormous power in the Middle East, despite loosing control of border territories in Asia Minor and the East. They have promoted the extension of Hellenistic culture throughout their domains, and many Greek-style cities have sprung up across Asia Minor, Syria, Palestine, Iraq and Iran. Greek has become the lingua-franca of educated, upper class society throughout the region.

Related Timelines:
Timeline of Middle East History

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