 Up to that time, local rulers of Persis, the Fratarakas seem to have been in charge of the region, between circa 295 and 220 BC.Antiochus was then only fifteen years of age, and this circumstance together with the fact that Hermeias, a crafty intriguer whom every one had to fear, was all-powerful at his court, induced the two brothers to form the plan of causing the upper satrapies of the kingdom to revolt.It seems to have been the secret wish of Hermeias to see the king involved as many difficulties as possible, and it was on his advice that the war against the rebels was entrusted to men without courage and ability.