Ancient Coin Stories

Alexander the Great conquers Cilicia, including Aigai.Tarsos (where he became ill after a swim in the Kydnos River), Soloi, Issos, and Mallos, where he made sacrifices.

Following the victory in the Battle of Ipsos, Cilicia comes under Seleukid control with Seleukos I Nikator. This included Aigai.Tarsos, Soloi, Issos, and Mallos.

The Ptolemaic Kingdom takes vast territories as a result of the Third Syrian War against the Seleukids. Tyre, Byblos, Sidon, Mallos, Soloi, Tarsos, and Aigai come under Ptolemaic control.

Aigai, Tarsos, Mallos, and Soloi in Cilicia is affected by Roman efforts to reduce the level of piracy in the region.

Pompey the Great is assigned with reducing piracy in Cilicia and successfully does so, liberating Aigai, Soloi, Mallos, and Tarsos from their yoke. Many of the pirates are resettled in Dyme.

Julius Caesar visits Aigai during his campaign in the east. He also visits Antioch and declares its freedom.

After the Battle of Actium (near Ambrakia), Augustus consolidates his control over the Roman Empire, and Cilicia is firmly incorporated as part of the Roman sphere of influence. Aigai, Tarsos, Mallos, and Soloi become part of the Roman Province of Cilicia.

Elaiussa is founded by King Archelaos of Cappadocia. Archelaus names it “Sebaste” (the Greek form of “Augustus”) in honor of the Roman Emperor Augustus.

King Archelaos dies, and his kingdom, including Elaiussa Sebaste, is annexed by the Roman Empire under Emperor Tiberius.

Constantius Gallus raises a siege of Seleukia ad Kalykadnon by troops loyal to Shapur.