bpv_209750 - SYRIA - ROMAN PROVINCE - MARCUS ANTONIUS Tétradrachme syro-phénicien

SYRIA - ROMAN PROVINCE - MARCUS ANTONIUS

(38-37 BC)

Antioch had chosen Caesar against Pompey after the victory at Pharsalia (June 6, 48 BC). He granted freedom to the city. Caesar resided in Antioch in 47 BC and left there a young relative Sextus Cæsar who was overthrown by Quintus Cæcilius Bassus in 46 BC and killed. Bassus belonged to the Pompeian party. He had to fight against the new Caesarian governor Lucius Antestius Vetus. Bassus captured Apamea, but was defeated by Lucius Staius Murcus, proconsul of Syria. After the disappearance of G. Cassius Longinus who had seized Syria, Marc Antoine arrived in 42 before J. - C. before being driven out there in 40 before J. - C. by Labienus. Marc Antony regained possession of Antioch the following year.