Tidmarsh (2024) identified two Hellenistic destruction levels at Pella, termed the "Jannaeus Destruction" and the "Antiochus Destruction level". The Jannaeus Destruction was identified across numerous areas of the site and dated to the early 1st century BCE (Hellenistic 3C; ca. 100(?)–80/79 BCE). It was attributed to military activity during the reign of Hasmonean king Alexander Jannaeus (r. 103–76 BCE). Tidmarsh (2024:64) dates the Antiochus Destruction level to Hellenistic 2B (ca. 220–200 BCE), identifying it specifically in Area XXXIVB east on Tell Husn.

Polybius, in The Histories (Book 5 Section 70), records that Seleucid ruler Antiochus III (r. 223–187 BCE) conquered Pella. Smith (1973:37–39), drawing on Josephus and Georgius Syncellus, likewise indicates that Pella was later conquered by Alexander Jannaeus (r. 103–76 BCE).