Shepherd, William Robert. Historic map of the Achaemenid Empire. 1923. Accessed via the University of Texas Libraries: History of Asia and Persian Empire map.
Cilicia was a Persian military base in the 4th century BC and after Alexander defeated Achaemennid King Darius III at Issos it was integrated into Alexander the Great's campaigns. After his victory over Darius III (333 BCE), Alexander appointed Balakros satrap of Cilicia. Balakros, issued today's coin of interest. He replace the Persian satrap, Mazaeos' short-lived successor, Arsames (satrap 334/3 BCE, died in the battle at Issos, 333BC). (see: Mazaeos Satrap of Cilicia)
Fourth century BCE Cilicia was part of the Persian empire and did not have well defined borders, and was divided into two contrasting regions: the rugged, mountainous terrain (Rough Cilicia) in the west and the fertile plains (Smooth Cilicia) in the east, traversed by three major rivers.
"As for Cilicia outside the Taurus, one part of it is called Tracheia (Rugged) and the other Pedias (Level). As for Tracheia, its coast is narrow and has no level ground, or scarcely any; and, besides that, it lies at the foot of the Taurus, which affords a poor livelihood as far as its northern side in the region of Isaura and of the Homonadeis as far as Pisidia; and the same country is also called Tracheiotis, and its inhabitants Tracheiotae. But Cilicia Pedias extends from Soli and Tarsus as far as Issus, and also to those parts beyond which, on the northern side of the Taurus, Cappadocians are situated; for this country consists for the most part of plains and fertile land."
-Strabo, Geography XIV.5.1Western Cilicia (Rough Cilicia): This area is characterized by rugged, mountainous terrain. Its natural features made it less suitable for large-scale agriculture but served as a haven for mountain-dwelling populations. The rugged geography also influenced its historical role, providing defensible locations and resources such as timber from the Taurus Mountains.
Eastern Cilicia (Smooth Cilicia): In contrast, the eastern part of the region comprises fertile plains, irrigated by three major rivers. This geography made it conducive to agriculture and settlement, playing a vital role in sustaining the population and economy. Its fertile lands and accessibility made it a center for trade and resource distribution.
Culture
The populations of these two regions were shaped by their environments, with the rugged west fostering a more independent and resource-extractive lifestyle, while the fertile east developed a more settled, agriculturally based society with greater external cultural influences. Although the presence of Greeks and Persians in the region was limited, the influences are reflected in archaeological finds, such as pottery, fortifications, and inscriptions, which reveal influences from Luvian, Semitic, and Phoenician traditions. Aramaic, was the imperial standard and Greek influence can be seen in the coins from the region. Ba'al was widely worshipped in Carthage and Phoenicia.
A Tetradrachm issued in Cilicia under Alexander III
Cilicia, Soloi (or Tarsus in the name of Soloi?), Balakros, satrap of Cilicia under Alexander III, 333-323 BC, AR Stater (23.5 mm, 10.80 g, 7 h)
Obv: Baaltars seated to left on throne, holding eagle-tipped sceptre in right hand and holding up his chlamys with left; grain ear and grape bunch to left, B to right (B for Balakros?), Σ under throne (Soloi)
Rev: Draped bust of Athena, facing slightly to left, wearing triple-crested helmet and necklace
Ref: Casabonne Plate VIII, 11; Casabonne Series 2, SNG France 197 (same dies) Previous Sales: 2019 Dr. Busso Peus Nachfolger 424 Lot 161; 2018 Roma Numismatics eAuction 4 Lot 342
This coin also sold by Baldwins (I have not determined when, although given the Peus listing references a UK collection - perhaps Baldwin's is the earlier source).
Balakros' coins featured traditional Persian designs, such as the seated Baal and lion motifs, combined with Greek inscriptions and imagery (Athens). These elements ensured the coin would be recognized locally while signaling the shift to Macedonian governance.
Alexander's satraps, minted coins on a Persian weight standards for silver and gold, ensuring their seamless circulation in existing economic networks. Following established local weight standards would have increased acceptance of coinage among populations accustomed to Persian currency.
Soloi (or Soli), an ancient city in Cilicia, was located in Smooth Cilicia. It was situated near the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, west of present-day Mersin in modern Turkey. This coin may have been issued by a central mint (most likely Tarsus) in the name of Soloi. CNG sold a coin with an M (Mallos) overwritten by a sigma, which provides some support for a central mint (see: CNG 88, Lot: 412). Similarity of style if coins assigned to different mints also supports this hypothesis.
Balakros son of Nicanor was one of Alexander's royal Somatophylakes or bodyguards. (See Arrian II.12) His troops fought at Gaugamela (331 BCE) and helped defeat the Persian chariots.
"The royal squadron and the other Companions had half the Agrianians and archers4 stationed in their front with the javelin-men of Balacrus; they were posted opposite the chariots carrying scythes. Menidas and his men had instructions to wheel at an angle and attack the enemy on the flank, if they rode round their wing."
-Arrian, Anabasis of Alexander, 3.12.4-6Balakros died during his tenure as a satrap in Cilicia. While Alexander III of Macedon advanced into Persian territory, Balakros remained behind to secure Asia Minor. Balakros assisted Antigonos Monopthalmos by retaking Miletos. Balakros died attempting to bring Pisidia under Macedonian control. He was killed in action fighting the fiercely independent Pisidians residing in a mountainous region of Anatolia. He died during the lifetime of Alexander, who died in 323 BCE.
"Now when Perdiccas and King Philip had defeated Ariarathes and delivered his satrapy to Eumenes, they departed from Cappadocia. And having arrived in Pisidia, they determined to lay waste two cities, that of the Larandians and that of the Isaurians; for while Alexander was still alive these cities had put to death Balacrus the son of Nicanor, who had been appointed general and satrap."
-Diodorus Siculus, The Library of History, XVIII.22References:
Casabonne, O. La Cilicie à l 'époque achéménide. Persika 3. (Paris, 2004).
Aspects of Empire in Achaemenid Sardis, by Elspeth R.M. Dusinberre. pp. 325, figs 103. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge 2003. £65. ISBN 0-521-81071-X
Arrian. Anabasis of Alexander, Book I. Translated by E. Iliff Robson, Loeb Classical Library, vol. 236, Harvard University Press, 1929.
Strootman, Rolf. Courts and Elites in the Hellenistic Empires: The Near East After the Achaemenids, c. 330 to 30 BCE. Edinburgh University Press, 2014
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