Antiochus II was a king of the Seleucid Empire, ruling from 261 to 246 BCE. He was the son of Antiochus I and Stratonice, and he is often remembered for his efforts to maintain the empire's stability during a time of internal strife and external threats. His reign saw conflicts with the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, particularly over the control of Syria. Antiochus II is also known for his diplomatic marriages, including his union with Berenice, the daughter of the Egyptian king Ptolemy II. This marriage aimed to strengthen ties between the two kingdoms but ultimately led to conflict after his first wife, Laodice, sought power. His reign ended with his death in 246 BCE, leading to further instability in the empire.