Heliodorus was a chancellor of Seleucus IV Philopator. During his tenure, he is recorded as being involved with an attempt to tax the Temple in Jerusalem in Jewish histories of the period. Around 175 BCE, Seleucus IV died; some historical sources say that Heliodorus assassinated Seleucus. Regardless of if he was responsible or not, he declared himself regent after the death and seized the power of the government for his own, hence the suspicions he was at fault. Helidorus's regency was short-lived. The brother of the late king, Antiochus IV Epiphanes, was aided by the Pergamese monarch, Eumenes II, and arrived in Antioch. The Greek aristocracy favored Antiochus IV, and Heliodorus was overthrown.
Painting of Heliodorus being expelled from the temple
Heliodorus Stele on display at the Israel Museum
Mural in the Apostolic Palace of Vatican City by Raphael; 1511
Detail of "The punishment of Heliodorus", stained glass at Sint Janskerk, Gouda, by Wouter Crabeth; 1566
Seleucus IV Philopator, ruler of the Hellenistic Seleucid Empire, reigned from 187 BC to 175 BC over a realm consisting of Syria, Mesopotamia, Babylonia and Nearer Iran.
Coin of Seleucus IV Philopator, stamp Greek: (Β)ΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ (ΣΕ)ΛΕΥΚΟΥ