Ancient sculpture showing Seleucid ruler Demetrius II Nicator

An ancient sculpture showing the Seleucid ruler Demetrius II Nicator. The object was found in Pompeii in the House of Camillus. Dated to the 1st century BCE; made of bronze. The artifact is in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples.

Demetrius II reigned in the years 145-139 BCE, and his state was already a shadow of the former power of his ancestors. Demetrius himself grew up at the court of the Romans, as a hostage, and his reign was not very successful. During one of the battles, Demetrius was taken prisoner by the Parthians and then took part in the competition for power in the Seleucid state. He was finally murdered in 125 BCE near Tyre.