Ancient Coin Stories

Let coins tell their stories…

Argolis, Epidauros
Circa 3rd century BCE
Æ 2.03g, 12mm, 7h
Laureate and bearded head of Asklepios to right
E within laurel wreath, Π below
SNG Copenhagen 120

Today, Epidauros is flooded with legions of tourists eager to see the famous theater. Most visit on day trips from Athens and combine it with Mycenae.

While the theater is excellently preserved, in ancient times Epidauros was far more famous for its Sanctuary of Asklepios, part of which still stands. It was one of the first “destination resorts” and could house hundreds of people who probably wished to be cured. This sanctuary and a similar one on Kos were the two most important in Greece.

Supposedly, to be cured of your ailments, you only had to sleep in a large hall, where you would have a dream on what was necessary to cure you. The sanctuary was built roughly around the time this coin was minted. It depicts Asklepios on the obverse, and a laurel wreath with the city name on the reverse. I prioritized it with the planned visit of the ruins.

I of course included Epidauros on my tour of ancient Greece. Here are a few of my photos.

480 BCE
August 7

The Greek allies are forced to withdraw against the Persians in the Battle of Artemisium. Afterwards the Persians occup Histaia. The Greek fleet is supplied by Athens, Chalkis, Sparta, Troizen, Opuntian Lokris, Corinth, Megara, Epidauros, Aegina, Sikyon, and Kios.

479 BCE

The Greek alliance, consisting of Aegina, Athens, Corinth, Megara, Thespiai, Orchomenos, Epidauros, Troizen, Halieis, Elis, Hermione, and Sparta defeate the Persians at the Battle of Plataea.

430 BCE

Athens lands at Epidauros and ravages its territory, then proceeds to Troizen, Hermione, and Halieis, where they do the same.

418 BCE

Sparta and their allies Tegea defeat Athens and their allies Argos, Mantineia, Kleonai, and Aegina in the Battle of Mantineia. As part of the truce, Argos gives up its alliance with Athens and Elis, Orchomenos is given to Sparta, and Athens is evicted from Epidauros.

417 BCE

As a result of their loss at the Battle of Mantineia and an invasion by Epidauros, Argos undergoes an oligarchic coup.

394 BCE
July

Sparta and their allies defeat Athens and their allies at the Battle of Nemea. On Athens side are Thebes, Lokris Opuntii, and Corinth. With Sparta are Halieis, Sikyon, Epidauros, Troizen, and Hermione. Phlious remains neutral.

370 BCE

The Tholos, a circular building in the sanctuary of Asklepios in Epidauros, is built under the architect Polykleitos the Younger.

350 BCE

The Theatre of Epidauros, also designed by Polykleitos the Younger, is constructed.

338 BCE

Alexander III and Philip II defeat Thebes at the Battle of Chaeronea. Argos fights on the side of Philip, while Corinth, Megara, Epidauros, and Troizen participate with Thebes.

240 BCE

Epidauros suffers in the wake of the Kleomenean War, but the sanctuary and city are quickly restored.

87 BCE

The Sanctuary to Asklepios at Epidauros is looted by Sulla.

67 BCE

Julius Caesar, during his campaigns in Greece, visits the sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidauros.

2 CE

The sanctuary to Asklepios in Epidauros’ infrastructure is upgraded with new Roman baths and improved facilities for visitors.

37 CE

Emperor Caligula visits Greece and shows interest in the Greek sanctuaries, including that of Asklepios at Epidauros.

67 CE

The Emperor Nero travels to Greece and visits Athens, Olympia, Delphi, Epidauros, and Thebes.

124 CE

Hadrian revives the Sanctuary to Asklepios at Epidauros.