Laodice (2), Seleucid queen, wife of Antiochus (2) II, c. 285–unknown

The first wife of the Seleucid king Antiochos II Theos, Laodice, was the daughter of Achaeus the Elder, a Greco-Macedonian local dynast of Asia Minor. She had estates in both Asia Minor and Babylonia. Following the second wedding of her husband Antiochos II with Berenice, Ptolemy II’s daughter, in 252 BCE, Laodice remained the wife of the king and member of the royal family. Her son Seleucus II was acclaimed king after the death of his father, Antiochus II, in 246 BCE. War broke out between Laodice and Seleucus II and Berenice, who claimed the throne for her infant Antiochus. Laodice controlled Asia Minor, whereas Berenice’s authority extended over Cilicia and Syria. Berenice’s brother Ptolemy III sailed for Seleucia, to his sister’s aid with a fleet and an army, and waged war against Seleucus II. Berenice and her son were killed in Antioch by supporters of Laodice. During the reign of Seleucus II, Antiochus Hierax rebelled against his brother in Asia Minor causing the so-called “War of the Brothers,” and Laodice supported his secession. The circumstances of her passing are unknown. Appian alone claims she died in 246 BCE, killed by Ptolemy III.