Gerrha (region)

Gerrha is a province of the Seleukid Empire from 298 till 279 BC, when the region joined the Syrian Rebellion. While Antiochos' forces did invade the region and captured and executed the rebel Demodamas Demadid, they subsequently never garrisoned the region and authority reverted to the tribal leaders who paid lip serve to Seleukid authority. The only Seleukids presence in the region was a fort at the tip of the Musandam penisula called Helios Limen from where they controlled trade passing through the strait of Hormuz.

Gerrha under Seleukid rule
Gerrha was brought under control following the Gerrha campaign in 298 BC. It however was not fully pacified and periodically conflict in the region would flair up again. By 292BC the garrison was reinforced in an effort to quel unrest. In 289 BC this resulted in the battle of Istana where rebel forces coming from the desert were defeated by governor Demodamas Demadid. Further raids were recorded in 287 BC and 285 BC. In 279 BC Demodamas found common ground with the rebels to drive out the Seleukids.

Their was a lively trade between the province Tylos, another Seleukid domein in the region. In 290 BC it was decided to open the port of Gerrha up to all traders of Tylos.

Gerrha after Seleukid rule
The withdraw of the Seleukid garrisons turned Gerrha into a fairly lawless place. Raids of Seleukid territory would be an important characteristic of this period with large raids recorded in the 240s BC.

Reestablishing of Seleukid authority
The continued raids and increased pirate activity in the region moved Onomastos I to reestablish Seleukid control over the region in the 220s BC.