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VILLAGE LIFE
Marina Kaleici
Dolmush
Fluted minaret, AntalyaTermessus! the only city Alexander never captured
Alexander did not, however, take the city. Alexander's purpose in the region was at an end; the isolated mountain strongpoint was of no use to the Persian navy, nor were its warlike people likely to chose a side other than their own. To go east and face Darius Alexander had to turn north, and time was critical. His decision was helped by the arrival of a friendly delegation from Selge, the sworn enemies of the Termessians. With garrisons in Pamphylia and new friends in Selge, Alexander could safely resume his course. At Sagalassus his army clashed with locals?also Pisidians?and came out victorious.
Alexander's "failure" to take Termessus has achieved something like mythic status among modern-day guides and guidebooks. The story also generally includes the idea that Termessus was the only city Alexander never captured. This statement is manifestly false?not a page before Arrian describes Alexander as "unable to take" (?dun?th? labein) Syllium, another inland fort, without siege equipment
