Fifth Syrian War
Exploiting the dynastic weakness of the boy-king Ptolemy V and the native revolt in Upper Egypt, Antiochus III invaded Ptolemaic possessions in the Levant. His victory at Panium (200 BCE) delivered Coele-Syria, Phoenicia and Judaea to the Seleucid Empire by 195 BCE. The loss confirmed that the Ptolemaic kingdom could no longer project military power beyond Egypt itself, a contraction driven by internal fiscal crisis and indigenous rebellion. It also drew Rome decisively into eastern Mediterranean affairs. For the Ptolemaic state the war marked the end of its great-power phase and the beginning of dependence on Roman protection.
- Year: 201 BCE
- Category: Military
