The Regnal Years of Antigonos Gonatas

Abstract

Although the decline of Demetrios I Poliorketes’ rule and the succession by his son Antigonos II Gonatas are well known in principle, inconsistencies in the ancient sources have so far obscured the dynastic chronology. However, difficulties can be overcome, if an inclusive count is applied persistently and if the Armenian version of Eusebios’ Chronicle (Porphyry FGH / BNJ 260 F 3), is preferred over the Greek version: the former ascribes Gonatas 43 regnal years, the latter 44. It can be shown that the latter is part of a tradition implying that Gonatas died in 239/38 instead of 240/39 BCE. As a result, Demetrios I began his final campaign in Asia Minor in 286 or 285, was captured in spring 284, and died in 283/82 BCE, whence Gonatas began counting his regnal years. The latter died in 239 BCE, probably in the later summer, yielding the throne to his son Demetrios II.