Aren't the Seleukids going to have to deal with the Parthians eventually? Wouldn't Parthian invasions direct Seleukid attentions elsewhere and give the Ptolemies some breathing room (assuming they can hold out that long)?
Aren't the Seleukids going to have to deal with the Parthians eventually? Wouldn't Parthian invasions direct Seleukid attentions elsewhere and give the Ptolemies some breathing room (assuming they can hold out that long)?
A couple scenarios come to mind. Have the first punic war end in some kind of stalemate with Sicily partitioned, therefore keeping Rome's focus on Sicily longer and dragging out the Punic Wars.
Or have Antiochos not manage to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory at Magnesia. That would keep Rome out of the affairs of the eastern med. to prevent them from seriously interfering in Egyptian affairs.
Victory at Magnesia would only count for so long, this is the same nation that came back from catastrophe at Cannae. So if Rome where to lose at Magnesia it it's effects could just be short-term and only makes Rome more focused to humble the Seleucids.
For Rome to stay entirely out of Eastern Mediterranean affairs they would need some sort of rival/deterrent in the Western Mediterranean. Your first scenario seems likely or perhaps Rome puts more focus on completing the conquest of Spain and defending against Gaul.
Why would they when they can conquer them? The Syrian wars were practically a never ending conflict.