AR Tetradrachm 319/318 BCE
16.95g, 26mm, 12h
Struck under Laomedon, in the types of Alexander III. Sidon, dated RY 15 of Abdalonymos = 319/8 BC. Head of Herakles to right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated to left, holding sceptre; ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟΥ to right, O (date) in left field, ΣI below throne.
Price P175; Newell, Dated 45; DCA 878
Things used to be easy for Alexander‘s officers. They only had to follow him. There was no decision making on which side would win out or offer the better health plan. Laomedon was one of those officers.
Laomedon was one of the earliest supporters of Alexander, in fact going in exile with him after a fight with Philip II. He of course joined Alexander‘s expedition to conquer Persia, and served admirably in that endeavour.
However, like the case with many of Alexander‘s officers, things went seriously south after his death. Alexander had given him the satrapy of Syria, one of the more valuable governages. Even through the Partition of Triparidisus, the other parties agreed for Laomedon to keep this post.
That placed him at odds with Ptolemy I Soter, though, who rather liked Syria and wanted it to serve as a buffer for Egypt. Ptolemy tried all the usual trips such as offering him an all-expenses-paid vacation to a brand new Lamborghini chariot. However, Laomedon, the principled Macedonian officer, rejected these bribes. So, Ptolemy sent an army and booted him.
Laomedon then joined Alcestas, who was campaigning against Antigonos I Monophthalmos in the name of Polyperchon (since Perdikkas had been killed), but this also wasn’t a wise course of action. Antigonos was a very strong general, and he easily defeated Alcetas. We don’t know what happened to Laomedon after this, but it’s unlikely he died of old age.
Estimated birth year of Laomedon.
Laomedon, Harpalos, Nearchos, and Ptolemy are exiled by Philip II due to their involvement in the Pixodaros affair with Alexander III.
November 6
Laomedon put in charge of Persian prisoners from the Battle of Issos because he is bilingual.
June 30
Partition of Babylon. Abydos and Adramytteion come under control of Leonnatos. Egypt with Alexandria and Gaza are under Ptolemy. Baktria comes under Seleukos I Nikator. Asandros obtains Caria. Laomedon receives Koele-Syria.
Partition of Triparadisos. Abydos is given to Arrhidaios. Susa goes to Antigenes. Antipater is left in charge of Macedonia and is entrusted with Alexander IV and Philip III. Asandros is confirmed with Caria. Kleitos the White receives Lydia, replacing Menander. Laomedon is confirmed as satrap of Koele-Syria. Peithon is confirmed in Kophen. Seleukos receives Babylon.
Laomedon rejects an offer from Ptolemy I Soter to purchase Koele-Syria from him.
Ptolemy I sends a general to capture Laomedon and occupy Koele-Syria. He succeeds, but Laomedon escapes and joins Alketas.