Antiochus IV and the Three Horns in Daniel 7

Abstract

Daniel 7 presents a symbolic vision that describes how Antiochus IV “uprooted” the three horns that represent Seleucus IV and his sons Demetrius I and Antiochus. This study suggests that Rome conspired with Antiochus IV to deliberately sideline Seleucus IV’s direct heir Demetrius I by demanding him as a principal hostage in 175, just before the king would be assassinated. Antiochus IV then presented himself as loyal coregent with his nephew Antiochus while planning the latter’s assassination, which he ordered in 170.