Alexander II Zabinas (c. 150 BC – 123 BC) was a Seleucid monarch of the Hellenistic period who reigned as King of Syria between 128 BC and 123 BC. Most historians, ancient and modern, maintain that he was a pretender to the throne, although his coinage suggests that he claimed descent from Antiochus IV (died 164 BC), the brother of King Seleucus IV (died 175 BC). Descendants of both brothers were contending for the throne. In 128 BC, King Demetrius II of Syria, the representative of Seleucus IV's line, invaded Egypt to support his mother-in-law Cleopatra II in a civil war. Demetrius was killed while trying to find refuge in the city of Tyre, and Alexander II became the master of the kingdom. Egypt's Ptolemy VIII did not want a strong king on the Syrian throne, and in 124 BC an alliance was established between Egypt and Cleopatra Thea, ruling jointly with Antiochus VIII, her son by Demetrius II. Alexander II was defeated and was probably executed by Antiochus VIII.

Read more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_II_Zabinas

_______________________________ Today's selected anniversaries:

1795:

The Batavian Republic was established the day after William V fled the Dutch Republic as a result of the Batavian Revolution in Amsterdam. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batavian_Revolution_in_Amsterdam

1915:

World War I: The first major attack of the German bombing campaign against Britain took place when Zeppelins bombed several towns in Norfolk. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_strategic_bombing_during_World_War_I

1996:

A tank barge and a tug grounded on a beach in Rhode Island, U.S., spilling an estimated 828,000 U.S. gallons (3,130,000 l) of home heating oil. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Cape_oil_spill

2007:

Turkish-Armenian journalist and human-rights activist Hrant Dink was assassinated by a Turkish nationalist in Istanbul. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assassination_of_Hrant_Dink

_____________________________ Wiktionary's word of the day:

gumption: 1. (Britain) Common sense, initiative, resourcefulness. 2. (US) Boldness of enterprise; aggressiveness or initiative. 3. (US) Energy of body and mind, enthusiasm. https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/gumption

___________________________ Wikiquote quote of the day:

We are here knowing that we are at an inflection point in the history of our world. We are at an inflection point in in the history of our nation. We are here because the American Dream and our American democracy are under attack and on the line like never before. We are here at this moment in time because we must answer a fundamental question: Who are we? Who are we as Americans? So, let’s answer that question. To the world. And each other. Right here. And, right now. … We can heal our nation. We can give our children the future they deserve. We can reclaim the American Dream for every single person in our country. We can restore America’s moral leadership on this planet. So let’s do this. And let’s do it together. And let's start now.   --Kamala Harris https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Kamala_Harris