Theodotus Hemiolius

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Theodotus Hemiolius (in Greek Θεoδoτoς Hμιoλιoς) was a general in the service of king Antiochus III the Great (223–187 BC), by whom he was sent in 222 BC together with Xenon against Molon, satrap of Media, who had raised the standard of revolt in the eastern provinces of the Seleucid Empire. The two generals were however unable to cope with the rebel satrap, and withdrew within the walls of the cities, leaving him in possession of the open country.¹ After the final defeat of Molon by Antiochus himself, Theodotus was selected by that monarch to take the command in Coele-Syria, while he himself undertook to reduce Seleucia on the Tigris. What Theodotus accomplished at this time we know not, but the next year (219 BC) we find him serving under the immediate command of Antiochus himself, and bearing an important share in the action against Nicolaus the general of Ptolemy IV Philopator (221–204 BC), near Porphyreon, as well as shortly after at the siege of Rabbatamana. On both these occasions he was associated with Nicarchus, with whom he also shared in the command of the phalanx at the memorable battle of Raphia, 217 BC. After that great defeat he was chosen by Antiochus as one of the ambassadors whom he sent to Ptolemy to sue for peace.²