6th century BCE – 3rd century BCE
Cyrenaica, North Africa
Euhesperides was a Greek city of Cyrenaica located west of Cyrene and involved in the region’s military and colonial struggles. Persian forces reached it during the campaign against Barce, and Arkesilas IV sent mercenary colonists there, apparently as a possible refuge. The city was later besieged by Libyans and became an ally of Thibron during the crisis preceding Ptolemaic conquest.
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The Story
Euhesperides formed part of the western Greek urban network of Cyrenaica. Persian forces penetrated as far west as the city during the campaign that followed the capture of Barce. Its position made it relevant to the wider contest between Greek cities, Libyan communities, Persia, and later Egyptian-backed powers.
Under Arkesilas IV, mercenaries recruited in Greece were sent as colonists to Euhesperides. The move appears to have been designed to prepare a refuge for the king if political trouble made Cyrene unsafe. Arkesilas was ultimately assassinated at Cyrene, while his son reportedly escaped to Euhesperides and was murdered there.
In 413 BC, Libyans besieged Euhesperides, but a Greek fleet accidentally blown off course while sailing toward Sicily arrived and relieved the city. During the later crisis involving Thibron, Euhesperides allied with Barce and supported the Spartan adventurer before Ophelias defeated the opposing forces and imposed Ptolemaic control over Cyrenaica.
6th century BCE – 3rd century BCE
Cyrenaica, North Africa
Euhesperides was a Greek city of Cyrenaica located west of Cyrene and involved in the region’s military and colonial struggles. Persian forces reached it during the campaign against Barce, and Arkesilas IV sent mercenary colonists there, apparently as a possible refuge. The city was later besieged by Libyans and became an ally of Thibron during the crisis preceding Ptolemaic conquest.
Continue exploring
The Story
Euhesperides formed part of the western Greek urban network of Cyrenaica. Persian forces penetrated as far west as the city during the campaign that followed the capture of Barce. Its position made it relevant to the wider contest between Greek cities, Libyan communities, Persia, and later Egyptian-backed powers.
Under Arkesilas IV, mercenaries recruited in Greece were sent as colonists to Euhesperides. The move appears to have been designed to prepare a refuge for the king if political trouble made Cyrene unsafe. Arkesilas was ultimately assassinated at Cyrene, while his son reportedly escaped to Euhesperides and was murdered there.
In 413 BC, Libyans besieged Euhesperides, but a Greek fleet accidentally blown off course while sailing toward Sicily arrived and relieved the city. During the later crisis involving Thibron, Euhesperides allied with Barce and supported the Spartan adventurer before Ophelias defeated the opposing forces and imposed Ptolemaic control over Cyrenaica.
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