The modern city traces its history to the Hellenistic period, with the foundation of the city of '''Nikephorion''' (, Latinized as ''Nicephorion'' or ''Nicephorium'') by Seleucid King Seleucus I Nicator (reigned 301–281 BC). His successor, Seleucus II Callinicus (r. 246–225 BC), enlarged the city and renamed it after himself as '''Kallinikos''' (, Latinized as ''Callinicum''). Isidore of Charax, in the Parthian Stations, writes that it was a Greek city, founded by Alexander the Great.