Quote Originally Posted by MButcher View Post
Let's be fair about whom we call a coward. Antiochus IV gave up on conquering Egypt because a single Roman envoy intimidated him in front of his own army.


As for the claim that the Seleukids were "better" than the Ptolemies - better in what way? Militarily? That's a valid claim, though it didn't help them in being conquered by the Parthians and Pompey.
Well Antiochus IV made a smart decision. His empire was crippled by the war indemnities which his predecessors had to pay after Magnesia. Thats why im not a particularly big fan of his predecessor Antiochus III. In the battle of Magnesia the right wing of the Seleucid cavalry led by Antiochus III routed the Roman left but instead of turning around and flanking the Romans or supporting his own failing left he charged n chasing routers believing the battle was won. This was almost EXACTLY the same mistake he had made at Raphia. I guess he was a little too hot headed to learn from his mistakes

As for the Ptolemies, they pretty much became vassals of Rome after they begged them for help