Circa 300-200 BCE
Æ 2.04g, 16mm, 12h
Helmeted head of Athena to right
Owl standing to left, head facing; ΑΡΓΕΙΩ to right, spearhead to left
BCD Akarnania 160-1; HGC 4, 798.
Ex J. Greiff Collection
Today, we’re not really sure if Argos Amphilochikon was originally settled from Argos. However, during the time of the Peloponnesian War they played a medium-sized role in supporting Athens, along with their neighbors the Akarnanians.
Their relationship to Athens can be seen from this coin, which includes the typical Athenian owl alongside the name of the city along with an obverse with Athena in war helmet, which is also similar to the Athenian coinage.
Thukydides spent some time detailing how Demosthenes led the Akarnanians against the Ambrakians, who were supported by Corinth. When Alexander the Great conquered the region, the city fell under the domain of the Aetolians. We know very little about the city during this period. However, since this coin was minted well after the Peloponnesian War, it seems like it remained close to Athens. Perhaps this was minted around the time of the Lamian War.
The Athenian general Phormio makes his base at Aphytis and leads his army against Pallene. He also takes Argos Amphilochian, removes the Ambrakians, and restores the town to the original inhabitants.
Ambrakians attempt to take Argos Amphilochian but are repulsed.
Ambrakia captured and plundered by the Romans under Marcus Fulvius Nobilior, then declared a free city. Argos Amphilochikan is used as his base.