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The siege of Soli (c.497) was part of the
Persian reconquest of Cyprus after the island's failed participation in the
Ionian Revolt, and was the last to be concluded, lasting for four months. In
498 the Greeks of Cyprus revolted against the Persians, joining the Ionian
Revolt. They received aid from the Ionians, who sent a powerful fleet to the
island, but were also the target of a major Persian counterattack. In 497 a
Persian fleet and army attacked the island. At the land and sea battle of
Salamis (c.497) the Ionians were victorious at sea, but the Cyprians were
defeated on land and their leader was killed. In the aftermath of the battle
the Persians laid siege to most of the Greek cities of Cyprus (apart from
Salamis, which welcomed back its pro-Persian ruler). Soli held out for the
longest. The siege of Soli lasted for four months. The city eventually fell in
the fifth month of the siege after the Persians tunnelled under the city walls.
Excavations at the city have uncovered the destruction layer associated with
the eventual fall of the city. The fall of Soli ended resistance to the
Persians on Cyprus.
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