18.72mm, 4.57g 4th Century BCE
Obverse: Bearded and helmeted head of Ares right
Reverse: Male figure standing left with right hand raised, chlamys draped over left forearm; H and uncertain symbol in left field
SNG von Aulock 4866
Ex Marc Breitsprecher
I find Sillyon interesting because it’s one of the few places that Alexander didn’t conquer. He led an assault against it that failed, but since he was in a hurry and the city was well fortified, he didn’t persist.
A fair portion of the ancient city still stands, although land slides have done more damage than Alexander did. The site certainly looks formidable and would be fun to photograph some day. A gate tower and decent portions of the wall still stand.
After the death of Alexander, the Seleukids took control of the city and rebuilt large portions of it.
Alexander the Great captures Perge, then marches on to Aspendos. The inhabitants agree to taxes in exhange for being left alone, but as Alexander continues to Side and Sillyon, he learns that Aspendos did not ratify the taxes. Enraged, he turns his army around. Aspendos quickly surrenders, but this time Alexander gives them far harsher terms.