v08_0085 - FENICIA - ARADOS Statère

PHOENICIA - ARADOS

(5th - 4th century BC)

Arados or Rouad (Arad) was founded in the 8th century BC by settlers from Sidon. It is quoted in Genesis (X, 18). The exceptional location of the island, 0.4 km2, located three kilometers from the coast of Syria between Latakia and Tripolis made it a strategic location of prime importance. The city was surrounded by a defensive wall also used as a dike against the waves. The port, facing the land, was protected from storms. Arados was in turn tributary to the Egyptians, the Assyrians, then the Persians, but kept local dynasts who remained until the arrival of Alexander the Great. Straton, son of Gerostratos king of Arados, made his submission to the conqueror in 333 BC, delivered his fleet and helped him during the siege of Tyre. He kept his throne.