259 BCE, winter

Striking deep into the heart of the Seleucid empire, Timon Arrhidaeos laid siege to Seleuceia in the autumn of 259 BCE. Not expecting an attack here, the city's garrison was light. In the short battle that followed the taking down of the walls, the Seleucid soldiers fought bravely - among them their famed 'silver shields'. Every man fought to the death without exception. No doubt they assumed to executed anyway after being captured, so rather than dying prisoners, they died like men. The civilian population of Seleuceia would not have this luxury. After the battle, nearly the entire population was sold into slavery.