Alexander : a history of the origin and growth of the art of war from ...

254 SARDIS REWARDED.He gave to Mithrines an important place near his own person,to show the world how he could reward such signal servicerendered to his cause. He had little fear of similar treacheryto himseK. He granted freedom to the city, and guaranteedits ancient privileges under the old Lydian laws, of which, fortwo hundred years, it had been deprived by its conquerors.He thus won its good - will, and insured its fidelity. Parmenio'sbrother, Asandros, was appointed viceroy ;Nicias, collectorof customs ; and in the citadel was left a garrison ofArgives under Pausanias. Both the latter were Companions— probably of the agema. Alexander also laid the cornerstoneof a temple to Zeus on the Acropolis.Being the firstgreat city to succumb to his arms, he was anxious to show hisfriendly animus towards all who should submit without a conflict.Moreover Sardis was a cross-roads of great importancein Asia Minor. It could not be held too securely, and theking employed both force and favor to strengthen its fealty.From here Alexander detached the rest ofthe Greek auxiliariesunder Calas, the new viceroy, and Alexander, son ofAeropus, the Lyncestian, who had succeeded Calas In commandof the Thessalian horse, on an expedition into the Hellespontineregion, where Memnon had for some time commandedfor Darius, to work up a friendly feeling for hiscause. If expertly done, this would protect his left as headvanced south, as well as hold the great roads running inlandthrough Gordlum towards the Taurus, which by and byhe expected to use as he moved farther into Asia.placed in charge ofNicanor,the fleet (no special training was deemedessential for command at sea), was ordered to Lesbos andMiletus to impose upon the coast cities, and thus aid intheireventual capture. It was his appearance which won overMitylene to the Macedonian cause — a gain of greatest value.The easy success at Sardis was an enviable piece of good