People > Kings of Cyrene

Kings of Cyrene

Background

Cyrene, an ancient Greek city in modern-day Libya, was founded in 631 BCE by settlers from the island of Thera (Santorini). The city became a significant center of Greek culture in North Africa and was ruled by a series of kings before eventually coming under the control of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt and then the Roman Empire. Here is a description and list of some notable kings of Cyrene:

Battid Dynasty:

1. Battus I (c. 631 – 600 BCE):

   • Founder of Cyrene: Battus I, originally named Aristoteles, was the leader of the Theran settlers who established Cyrene. He became the first king and took the name Battus, which means "king" in the local Libyan language.
   • Foundation and Consolidation: Under Battus I, Cyrene was established and began to grow as a center of Greek culture and trade in North Africa.

2. Arcesilaus I (c. 600 – 583 BCE):

   • Son of Battus I: Arcesilaus I succeeded his father and continued to strengthen the city-state. His reign was marked by efforts to expand and consolidate Greek influence in the region.

3. Battus II (c. 583 – 560 BCE):

   • Expansion: Known as Battus the Prosperous, he encouraged further Greek immigration to Cyrene and expanded the city's territory. His reign saw increased prosperity and growth for Cyrene.

4. Arcesilaus II (c. 560 – 550 BCE):

   • Internal Strife: Arcesilaus II faced significant internal opposition and conflict, leading to periods of instability within Cyrene. His rule was marked by efforts to maintain control amid growing dissent.

5. Battus III (c. 550 – 530 BCE):

   • Reforms: Known as Battus the Lame, he implemented various reforms to stabilize the kingdom. His reign saw a return to relative peace and prosperity.

6. Arcesilaus III (c. 530 – 515 BCE):

   • Conflict and Exile: Arcesilaus III's reign was tumultuous, marked by internal conflicts and his eventual exile. He sought refuge in Samos and later returned with the support of Persian forces.

7. Battus IV (c. 515 – 465 BCE):

   • Persian Influence: During his reign, Cyrene came under increasing Persian influence. Battus IV maintained relative autonomy by aligning with the Persians.

8. Arcesilaus IV (c. 465 – 440 BCE):

   • Decline: Arcesilaus IV's rule saw a decline in Cyrene's power and influence. His reign was marked by internal strife and weakened control.

Later Kings and Hellenistic Period:

1. Magas of Cyrene (c. 276 – 250 BCE):

   • Ptolemaic Rule: Magas was initially a governor under the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt but declared himself king of Cyrene. He married Apama, the daughter of Seleucus I Nicator, linking Cyrene to the Seleucid dynasty.
   • Independence and Conflict: Magas asserted Cyrene's independence from Ptolemaic Egypt, leading to conflicts. His reign saw Cyrene briefly become an independent Hellenistic kingdom.

2. Demetrius the Fair (c. 250 BCE):

   • Short Reign: Demetrius, also known as Demetrius the Handsome, ruled Cyrene for a short period. His reign ended abruptly when he was killed during a revolt.

3. Ptolemaic Control:

   • Annexation: After the death of Demetrius, Cyrene was re-incorporated into the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt. It remained under Ptolemaic control until it eventually became part of the Roman Empire.

Legacy:

The kings of Cyrene played a crucial role in establishing and maintaining Greek culture and influence in North Africa. The city of Cyrene became a significant center for trade, culture, and learning, known for its fertile land and intellectual contributions. Despite periods of internal conflict and external pressures, Cyrene's legacy as a prominent Greek city-state endures through its contributions to art, philosophy, and science. The remains of Cyrene are now a UNESCO World Heritage site, reflecting its historical and cultural significance.

Sources

Pindar and the cult of heroes By Bruno Currie Page 245 ISBN 0-19-927724-9.