| Ziaelas | |
|---|---|
| Basileus ofBithynia | |
| King of Bithynia | |
| Reign | c. 254 BC - 228 BC |
| Predecessor | Etazeta |
| Successor | Prusias I |
| Born | c. 265 BC |
| Died | 228 BC (age 37) |
| Issue | Prusias I |
| Father | Nicomedes I |
Ziaelas (Ancient Greek:Ζιαήλας; lived c. 265 BC – 228 BC, reigned c. 254 BC – 228 BC),third king ofBithynia, was a son ofNicomedes I and Ditizele.
Following the death ofNicomedes I, his second wifeEtazeta of Bithynia acted as regent on behalf of her infant sons. Nicomedes' adult son from his first marriage Ziaelas, was denied the chance to ascend the throne, leading him to flee toArmenia and take refuge at the court of KingArsames I inSophene. Upon his father's death he immediately endeavored to regain his rights by force, and returned, aided by someGalatians. Although Etazeta was supported by neighboring cities andAntigonus II Gonatas, Ziaelas rapidly conquered Bithynia, forcing Etazeta and her sons to escape to the court of Antigonus in about 254 BC.[1]
During the Fraternal War betweenSeleucus II Callinicus andAntiochus Hierax, he seized the opportunity to attack the latter, trying to conquer Asia Minor[2] They later became allies and his daughter, born c. 245 BC, married Hierax.[3]
He was succeeded by his sonPrusias I about 228 BC after being killed by the Galatians.[4][5] Like his father and his grandfather he also founded a new city named after him, Ziaela, but the location of the city is unknown.[6]
This article incorporates text from a publication now in thepublic domain: Smith, William, ed. (1870)."Zeilas".Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology. Vol. 3. p. 1310.| Preceded by | King of Bithynia 254 BC – 228 BC | Succeeded by |