The Seleukid War, 240-239BC

Lydia

There had been a brief cessation of hostilities in the war between Pergamon and the Seleukid empire, but it was temporary. No sooner had they a chance to resupply their forces, the Syrians attacked once more, this time laying siege to Sardis. Messaneos and his army had taken to the ships for an invasion of Syria itself, and it was left down to others to defend the homeland.

Gathering a newly-recruited force of levies and mercenaries, Nikostratos Megarikos forced the enemy to abandon the siege, and then offered battle outside the city. To his surprise they opted to fight.



The battle took place on the road, giving the Seleukid phalanxes level ground on which to maneuver.



Megarikos ordered the advance.



The enemy sent their pikes forward.



Hesitant about facing superior numbers, they began to withdraw.



The Pergamenes advanced to follow.



Many of the Seleukids escaped.



Megarikos had carried the day, although many Seleukids survived to fight another day.