The Reconquest of Asia Minor: A Narrative (226-192)

Abstract A stele found at modern Gordes, in ancient north-eastern Lydia, preserves the dedication of a Seleukid Eµ,wv, Arkesilaos, ‘in gratitude for the safety of Apollophanes, son of Apollophanes, of Seleukeia in Pieria’, the well-documented physician of Antiochos 111.1 The inference is that Apollophanes, no doubt at Antiochos’ side, passed though north-eastern Lydia or close enough to concern an officer stationed there-but when did this take place? Perhaps during Antiochos’ campaign in 216-213 BC to subdue the usurper Achaios; or the activity in 204-203, on his return from his eastern expedition; or the campaign of 197-196, which swept from Syria to the Straits; or a march to Thrace; or even the Seleukid-Roman War.2 By its very chronological incertitude, the stele directs attention to the history of Antiochos III as one of military movements across the Seleukid empire: Asia Minor ‘on the other side’ of the Taurus, the eastern satrapies, Syria and Kaile-Syria (tabulated in Schmitt 1964: 85).