Thessaly. Thessalian League circa 150-100 BC. Tima–, magistrate
Drachm AR

17 mm, 3,93 g

Laureate head of Apollo right; monogram behind / ΘEΣΣA - ΛΩN, Athena Itonia right; two stars above, T-I/M-A across lower field.

Very Fine

HGC 4, 213.

The Thessalian League was an ancient Greek confederation of city-states in the Thessaly region of central Greece. Established during the Hellenistic period, it played a crucial role in the political and military landscape of Thessaly. The league was formed as a defensive alliance, primarily to protect Thessaly's interests and maintain stability within the region. Thessaly, known for its fertile plains and horse breeding, was often a target for external powers seeking to control its resources and strategic position. The exact date of the league's foundation is not definitively known, but it likely emerged in the late 4th or early 3rd century BC. The city of Larissa, a major polis in Thessaly, was a key player in the league, and its leadership was crucial for the confederation's success. The Thessalian League faced numerous challenges and conflicts, both internal and external. Thessaly was often caught in the power struggles among the Hellenistic successor states, such as Macedonia and various Greek city-states. Additionally, the league contended with regional rivalries among its member cities. Notably, during the Chremonidean War (267–261 BCE), the Thessalian League found itself entangled in the conflicts between Macedonia and the Achaean League. Thessaly's strategic importance made it a valuable prize for larger powers seeking to expand their influence in Greece. Over time, the league's dynamics evolved, influenced by shifting alliances and geopolitical changes. By the Roman period, Thessaly became an integral part of the Roman Republic's sphere of influence.