KINGS of MACEDON Alexander III the Great.(336-323 BC).Amphipolis. Tetradrachm.

Obv : Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin.

Rev : AΛEΞANΔPOY BAΣIΛEΩΣ.
Zeus seaed left with eagle and sceptre, bow and quiver in left field.
Price 110.

Condition : Good very fine.

Material : Silver.
Axis : 3h

Weight : 16.98 gr
Diameter : 25 mm

Amphipolis was an ancient city located in the region of Macedonia, near the Strymon River in present-day northern Greece. Founded by the Athenians in 437 BCE, the city quickly became a significant center of power and influence due to its strategic position and abundant natural resources. Amphipolis was known for its rich history, being the site of notable battles and cultural achievements, and it continues to be an important archaeological site today.

The city was originally an Athenian colony, established to secure control over the Thrace region and its valuable resources, particularly timber, silver, and gold. The site where Amphipolis was founded had been previously settled by Thracians, but the Athenians saw its potential for strategic control, given its proximity to the Aegean Sea and its location on a hill overlooking the Strymon River. Amphipolis’ location made it an important outpost for controlling trade routes between the Aegean coast and the interior of Macedonia and Thrace.

Amphipolis played a key role in the Peloponnesian War, the conflict between Athens and Sparta that lasted from 431 to 404 BCE. In 424 BCE, the Spartan general Brasidas captured Amphipolis, dealing a significant blow to Athenian control in the region. The Battle of Amphipolis, fought in 422 BCE, was one of the most famous battles of the war. During this encounter, both Brasidas and the Athenian general Cleon were killed, marking a turning point in the war and weakening Athens’ hold on the city.

Following the battle, Amphipolis remained under Spartan influence and later became part of the Kingdom of Macedon. The city maintained its strategic importance and thrived under Macedonian rule, especially during the reign of King Philip II, who expanded Macedonian influence across Greece. Philip’s conquest of Amphipolis in 357 BCE allowed him access to the city’s resources, which he used to finance his military campaigns and strengthen his rule.

Amphipolis continued to prosper during the Hellenistic period, particularly under Alexander the Great, Philip II’s son. Alexander used the city as a naval base, and it served as a launch point for his campaigns in Asia. Amphipolis also played a role in the administration of Alexander’s empire; its position in northern Greece made it a strategic hub for communication and control over the Macedonian territories.

After Alexander's death in 323 BCE, the city became contested by his successors, who recognized its strategic value. Despite the turmoil, Amphipolis remained a prominent city, witnessing the rise and fall of the Hellenistic kingdoms that succeeded Alexander's empire.

Amphipolis eventually fell under Roman control in the 2nd century BCE after the Romans defeated the Macedonian Kingdom. The Romans integrated Amphipolis into their expanding empire, establishing it as a “civitas libera,” or free city, allowing it a degree of autonomy. The city became an administrative and cultural center in the Roman province of Macedonia.

The construction of the Via Egnatia, a major Roman road that connected the Adriatic Sea to Byzantium (modern-day Istanbul), brought further prosperity to Amphipolis. As a major stop along this trade route, Amphipolis experienced increased economic growth and cultural exchange, making it a melting pot of various influences. The Apostle Paul is believed to have passed through Amphipolis during his missionary journeys, adding religious significance to the city in the Christian tradition.

With the eventual decline of the Roman Empire, Amphipolis lost much of its prominence. The city was gradually abandoned in the early medieval period, and its historical significance faded. However, the rediscovery of Amphipolis in modern times has brought renewed attention to its importance in ancient history.

Today, Amphipolis is a rich archaeological site, offering valuable insights into ancient Macedonian culture, art, and architecture. Excavations have uncovered a range of structures and artifacts, including city walls, public buildings, and private homes, reflecting the city’s historical wealth and architectural sophistication.

One of the most significant discoveries at Amphipolis is the Kasta Tomb, a massive burial site unearthed in 2012. The tomb, believed to date back to the time of Alexander the Great, is the largest of its kind in Greece, measuring around 500 meters (1,600 feet) in circumference. The tomb’s entrance is guarded by two large sphinxes, and its interior includes intricate frescoes and statues. Archaeologists have speculated about the identity of the individuals buried there, with some suggesting it could be a monument for a high-ranking figure from Alexander’s era, though the exact identity remains uncertain.

Another notable find is the famous Lion of Amphipolis, a monumental stone lion statue believed to have been erected in honor of a Macedonian general or noble. The lion’s imposing presence symbolizes the power and prestige of the Macedonian elite and has become an iconic image associated with the city.

Amphipolis continues to captivate historians, archaeologists, and visitors alike. Its rich history as a crossroads of Greek, Macedonian, and Roman influences makes it a fascinating window into ancient civilizations. Today, Amphipolis is celebrated not only as a symbol of Macedonia’s historical significance but also as a reminder of the city’s role in some of the most pivotal events in classical antiquity.

The ongoing excavations and preservation efforts at Amphipolis offer new insights into ancient Macedonian culture and the ways in which this remarkable city shaped, and was shaped by, the empires it served. Amphipolis remains a treasure trove for archaeological research and a testament to the enduring legacy of one of Greece's most important ancient cities.