Zeuxis (general)

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Zeuxis (in Greek Zευξις) was a general in the service of the Seleucid king Antiochus III the Great (223–187 BC). He was engaged in 221 BC in the war with Molon, satrap of Media, whom he prevented from crossing the Tigris. Being placed under the command of Xenoetas, he was left by the latter in charge of the camp, when he made his ill-fated attempt to overpower Molon. But he retired on the approach of Molon, and suffered the latter to cross the river without opposition. When Antiochus himself marched against Molon, Zeuxis persuaded him to cross the river, and was in command of the left wing in the battle that ensued. He also took a prominent part in the siege of Seleucia on the Tigris.¹ It is perhaps this same Zeuxis whom we find satrap of Lydia under Antiochus the Great.² To him Philip V of Macedonia (221–179 BC), when at war with Attalus (241–197 BC), applied for a supply of corn, which he obtained.³ In the decisive battle with the Romans in 190 BC, Zeuxis was one of the commanders of the front line⁴, and after the defeat of Antiochus was one of the ambassadors sent to Scipio Asiaticus and Scipio Africanus to treat for peace, on which mission he proceeded to Rome.⁵