Demetrias, Thessaly
c. 290 BCE
AR triobol 14mm 2.39g 5h
avers : Buste drapé d’Artémis à droite, l’arc et le carquois sur l’épaule.
revers : Proue de galère à droite DHMH/TRIENWN/ (IS)
BMC.1 – GC.2077 – Cop.46 – HGCS. 4/79

Demetrias was founded in 294 BCE by Demetrios I Poliorketes, who forcibly moved the inhabitants of a number of other surrounding cities, to create a city in his namesake. This was all the rage back then and each king sought to have his very own namesake city. A few renamed existing cities, but many had to create shiny new ones.

After Demetrios, most of the Macedonian Kings spent a lot of time here. However, this relatively rare triobol was minted most likely while Demetrios was still alive, and bears a style similar to his other coins of the day – with a prow.

Artemis, who is pictured on the obverse of this coin, was also depicted on earlier coinage from Rhizous, which was displaced by Demetrios to create his city.

294 BCE

Demetrias founded by Demetrios I Poliorketes, who moved the inhabitants of Neleia, Pagasai, Ormenion, Rhizos, Sepias, Olizon, Boebe, and Iolkos to create it.

196 BCE

The Romans seize Demetrias and put a garrison in the town.

191 BCE

Control of Demetrias returns to Philip V. The Romans arrive at Gonnos.

168 BCE
June 22

The Romans defeat Philip V at the Battle of Pydna. Many cities, including Demetrias, fall under Roman rule.