Born in Pella in Macedonia, he was a member of the expeditionary army of Alexander the Great in Asia, and later acted as Ptolemaic governor of Cyrene.
[2] After the death of Alexander, he followed the fortunes of Ptolemy I Soter, by whom he was sent, in 322 BC, at the head of a considerable army, to take advantage of the civil war which had broken out in Cyrenaica.
In order to gain him over he promised to cede to him whatever conquests their combined forces might make in Africa, reserving to himself only the possession of Sicily.
[8] Ophellas gathered a powerful army from the homeland of his wife Euthydike where many citizens felt disgruntled after having lost their voting rights.
[9] Notwithstanding all the natural obstacles which presented themselves on his route, he succeeded in reaching the Carthaginian territories after a toilsome and perilous march of more than two months' duration.
Ophellas was part of Alexander's fleet that sailed down the
Indus
in 326 BC.
Coin of Ophellas, as Ptolemaic governor of
Cyrene
, first reign, circa 322–313 BC. AV Stater (17mm, 8.57 g, 11h). Coin struck by Polianthes, magistrate.
Obv
Nike
, driving fast quadriga right, holding kentron and reins.
Rev
Zeus Ammon
standing left, holding
patera
and lotus-tipped sceptre;
thymiaterion
to left, [Π]OΛIANΘEYΣ to right.
Cyrene coin struck under Ophellas as Ptolemaic governor. Circa 322–313 BC. Æ 19mm (8.14 gm). Horse running right; star above / NIKWNOS, six-spoked wheel.
Cyrene coin struck under Ophellas as Ptolemaic governor, first reign, circa 322–313 BC. Æ Unit (25mm, 11.14 g, 9h). Head of
Ammon
right / Wheel in perspective.
Ophellas, Ptolemaic Governor. Second reign, 312–309 BC. AV Tenth Stater (7mm, 0.86 g, 7h). Polianthes, magistrate. Head of Zeus Ammon left; [KY to right] / Head of female (
Nike
or
Libya
) right, hair tied in bun above, with ties handing below; Π-[O] flanking neck.
