ROMSO Cyprus Knowledge Base

The Year 313 BC: A Year of Conquest and Conflict

In 313 BC, the ancient world was ablaze with conflict and conquest. In Asia Minor, Antigonus I Monophthalmos, one of Alexander's most trusted generals, had conquered the city of Tyre from Ptolemy I Soter, a rival claimant to the Macedonian Empire. However, this victory came at a cost, as Ptolemy successfully regained control over Cyprus, where supporters of Antigonus had risen up in rebellion.

Meanwhile, in Greece, Cassander, another powerful general, was engaged in a bitter struggle with Philip, his brother and successor. The people of Epirus, tired of Macedonian rule, recalled their former king Aeacides, who was subsequently defeated by Philip in battle. However, the conflict continued, as Philip's forces clashed with those of Cassander.

In Rome, the Second Samni War had come to an end, but the city was still reeling from the aftermath. The Consulate of Lucius Papirius Cursor and Caius Iunius Bubulcus Brutus II marked a significant turning point in Roman history, as they submitted the Aurunces and founded the colony of Suessa Aurunca.

The year 313 BC also saw the rise of new leaders and the decline of old ones. In Egypt, Ptolemy I Soter put down a revolt, while his brother Polemē was sent to Greece with the support of the fleet of Medias of Larissa to further Cassander's interests. However, this move ultimately backfired, as Polemē expelled the garrison that Cassander maintained in Chalcis and took over Oropos.

The conflict between Antigonus and Ptolemy continued throughout the year, with both sides engaging in a series of battles and skirmishes. In Caria, Asandros, satrap of Carie, was defeated by Antigonus but managed to retain his position as satrap. However, he soon turned against his former master and joined forces with Ptolemy and Seleucos.

As the year drew to a close, Antigonus occupied Tralles and Kaunos in Caria while his nephew Polomeus took Iasos. Meanwhile, Polemē's campaign in central Greece had been successful, as he led a victorious march through Attica, Béotie, Phocide, and other regions