bgr_392231 - ARGOLIS - EPIDAUROS Hemidrachme

ARGOLIS - EPIDAURUS

(4th - 3rd century BC)

Argos benefited from a privileged geographical location with two ports, one on the Gulf of Argos and the other on the Saronic Gulf. The city would have been founded by Carian settlers, soon replaced by Dorians. The city was especially famous for its temple and the worship rendered to Asklépios, god of Medicine. The city was often opposed to its great rival Argos. She took part in the Persian wars, then opposed the expansionist policy of Athens. Faithful to the Spartan alliance, she finally rallied the Thebans of Epaminondas, then fought with them against Philip II at the battle of Chaeronea (338 BC). The city then passed under Macedonian domination for more than a century before joining the Achaean league in 225 BC..