Abydos was an ancient and medieval city in Troas in Asia Minor. It was located on the coast of the Hellespont. It is mentioned in the Iliad as a Trojan ally, and was occupied by Thracians after the Trojan War. It was settled by Milesian colonists contemporaneously with the foundation of the cities of Priapos and Prokonnesos in c. 670 BC.
After a failed Persian invasion, Abydos became a member of the Delian League. During the Second Macedonian War, Abydos was besieged by Philip V, King of Macedonia, in 200 BC, during which many of its citizens chose to commit suicide rather than surrender. Ultimately, the city was forced to surrender to Philip V due to a lack of reinforcements. The Macedonian occupation ended after the Peace of Flamininus at the end of the war in 196 BC. At this time, Abydos was substantially depopulated and partially ruined as a result of the Macedonian occupation.
Under the Eastern Roman Empire, the city was administered by an komes ton Stenon (count of the straits) or an archon, and was the centre for customs collection at the southern entrance of the Sea of Marmara.
After a failed Persian invasion, Abydos became a member of the Delian League. During the Second Macedonian War, Abydos was besieged by Philip V, King of Macedonia, in 200 BC, during which many of its citizens chose to commit suicide rather than surrender. Ultimately, the city was forced to surrender to Philip V due to a lack of reinforcements. The Macedonian occupation ended after the Peace of Flamininus at the end of the war in 196 BC. At this time, Abydos was substantially depopulated and partially ruined as a result of the Macedonian occupation.
Under the Eastern Roman Empire, the city was administered by an komes ton Stenon (count of the straits) or an archon, and was the centre for customs collection at the southern entrance of the Sea of Marmara.
Modern location: Maltepe, Turkey
(1)
Abydos (Troas)
An
AE
unit
struck 400-200 BC
in
Abydos (Troas)
Obverse: laureate head of Apollo right
Reverse: eagle left; ABY
Diameter:
10 mm
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 1.5 g
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 1.5 g
No notes for this coin
SNG von Aulock 1446; cf. SNG Copenhagen 36
(2)
Abydos (Troas)
An
AR
Obol
struck 480-450 BC
in
Abydos (Troas)
Obverse: eagle left, star above; ABY
Reverse: facing head of Medusa within incuse square
Diameter:
8 mm
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 0.55 g
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 0.55 g
No notes for this coin
SNG Copenhagen 5; BMC 4-5