Amphipolis, located on a plain in northern Macedonia near Mt. Pangaion and the river Strymon, was an Athenian colony founded c. 437 BCE on the older Thracian site of Ennea Hodoi. Thucydides relates that the Athenian general Hagnon so named the town because the Strymon surrounds the site on three sides ("amphi" means "on both sides") and also relates that he built a fortification wall on its unprotected side. The city and its seaport, Eion, prospered due to its favourable geographic location and the proximity of abundant natural resources, especially gold, silver, and timber. In 2012 CE an impressive Hellenistic tomb was discovered, one of the most important archaeological finds of the last 40 years, which has, once more, put Amphipolis in the lime-light.
More about: AmphipolisDefinition
Timeline
-
c. 437 BCEAthens founds the colony of Amphipolis in northern Macedonia.
-
424 BCESpartan general Brasidas takes Amphipolis, Thucydides failed to prevent this and is exiled.
-
422 BCEThe Athenians, led by Cleon, try to retake Amphipolis but are defeated by Brasidas.
-
422 BCESpartan general Brasidas dies of his wounds at Amphipolis.
-
367 BCEAmphipolis makes an alliance with the Chalcidian League.
-
364 BCEMacedonian general Perdiccas III successfully defends Amphipolis against Athenian attack.
-
168 BCEAmphipolis falls under Roman control.
-
500 CEAmphipolis becomes an important Christian centre and has four basilicas.
