10 - The battle of Raphia (217 B.C.)

Summary

The breakthrough at the Porphyrion Pass opened the way for the invasion of Coilē-Syria by the Seleucid troops. After systematically winning control over the various regions, Antiochus retired to winter quarters at Acre (Polyb. 5.71.12). The Ptolemaic army, which had deteriorated through being idle for about a generation, was reassembled in 219 B.C. and subjected to intensive training (ibid. 63–5). When the preparations were completed, in June 217 B.C. (Gauthier–Sottas, pp.34. II.10–11), Ptolemy IV made a forced march of five days to southern Palestine and encamped 50 stadia to the southwest of Raphia. Antiochus, hearing of the enemies' advance, left Acre and proceeded with speed along the coastline via Gaza to Raphia (ibid. 80.3–4). The Ptolemaic victory in the battle settled the dispute over Coilē-Syria for another 17 years.

The sources for Polybius' detailed account of the battle (5.79–85) are uncertain. While Momigliano considers them to be pro-Ptolemaic and suggests Zeno of Rhodes as Polybius' direct source, Otto and others, who lay much stress on the recurrence of comments on Ptolemy's love of luxury and indifference to external affairs (5.87.3,7; cf. 34, 42.4, 62.7, 107; 14.12.2–3 et passim), prefer to regard Polybius' sources as pro-Seleucid. But it is doubtful whether Seleucid sources would have so described the king who in so decisive a manner defeated Antiochus III, given the appellation ‘the Great’ a few years later. On the other hand, the indications of a ‘Ptolemaic’ source are much more impressive: Ptolemy's secret military preparation are recorded in detail (5.65–8); Ptolemy's personal appearance in the ranks of the phalanx is credited with inspiring his troops and lowering the morale of the enemy (85.8).