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Demetrios Poliorketes


Silver Stater (294 -288 B.C.), Obverse: Face of Demetrios Poliorketes
Source: Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki

The rise of Demetrios Poliorketes (the Besieger) to the throne of Macedonia brought the house of Antigonids into power. Demetrios is the first king whose portrait appeared on coins, while he was alive. Demetrios is very famous for his helepolis.


Graphic image of helepolis siege tower

This siege tower was made of wood had nine floors and was equipped with iron made battering rams. It rested on four huge wheels and was slowly rolled towards the city.

Check that you understand what these words mean in this document
Obverse: the front side of a coin or medal.
Battering ram: a metal or wooden pole used to bang the gates of a castle and break them.