Cyrenaica, Barke
circa 435-308 BCE
Æ 15.00mm, 3.80g
Laureate head of Zeus-Ammon r.
Rev: Palm tree; civic monogram to l.
SNG Copenhagen 1297
The ancient city of Barke resided at modern day Marj, Libya, which has removed all traces of it. First colonized by Greeks in the 7th century BCE, it grew to be a major power in the area. According to Herodotus, it was founded by two brothers in 560 BCE, but archeological evidence points to earlier.
In the early 5th century, Barke was the dominant city in the region. Over time, Kyrene took its place, and in 324 BCE it was attacked by Thibron of Sparta. They in turn applied for help from Ptolemy I, and it was then incorporated into the Ptolemaic kingdom.
Over the years, it diminished in importance, eventually becoming uninhabited. Many of the remaining ruins were disassembled to create the old town of Marj.
Foundation of Barke according to Herodotus
Arkesilaos II of Kyrene is deated by exiles from Kyrene and Barke, then strangled by his advisor Learchos, who is then killed when he returns to the city to become king. Battos III becomes king.
Aryandes, the satrap of Egypt, besieges Barke
The Sparta mercenary Thibron gathers exiles from Kyrene and Barke in Cretea and takes the city. However, one of his officers defects to the other side and he is ousted. Euhesperides supports him.
Thibron returns to Kyrene and Barke and takes them again.