v53_0103 - PHOENICIA - MARATHOS Unité (MB, Æ 21)

PHOENICIA - MARATHOS

(3rd - 2nd century BC)

Marathos was an old city of Phoenicia, hereditary enemy of Arados. While the maritime city had long remained under Seleucid influence, its rival had entered the lagid orbit. Arados became independent again in 259 BC. After Antiochus III and the Peace of Apamea, Egyptian power diminished in the region, especially under Ptolemy V (204-180 AC.) who lost most of the possessions from Syria. Eventually, Marathos was destroyed by its rival between 140 and 137 BC, when the new civic coinage of Arados was created. After the destruction of Marathos, the victors founded a colony on the ruins of the city.