Siege of Perinthus

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Siege of Perinthus

In 340–339 BC, Philip II of Macedon tried to capture Perinthus, a key city in Thrace (where modern Marmara Ereğlisi stands). Perinthus sat on a peninsula with a narrow land bridge and cliffs along the coast, making a sea attack difficult. The city was defended with help from Byzantium and the Achaemenid Empire, while Athens’ navy, led by Chares, blocked Macedonian ships and kept the siege from being easy to press.

After several weeks, the Macedonians breached the outer wall but found a stronger inner wall built inside the city. Despite having more troops and siege engines, Philip could not force the city to surrender because Byzantium and the Persians continued to send reinforcements and supplies. Eventually he withdrew.

Soon after, Philip turned to Byzantium. The Byzantines resisted, aided by troops from Chios, Cos, and Rhodes. A moonlit night assault failed when dogs reportedly betrayed the attack, and Philip gave up and retreated. In 338 BC, Philip defeated Athens and Thebes at Chaeronea. After Philip’s death, his son Alexander continued to expand Macedonian power and push against the Achaemenid Empire.