Ancient Coin Stories

Earliest evidence of human habitation at Pylos.

Athens attempts to take Mothone, but is repulsed by Brasidas.

Cleon of Athens sends an expedition to Pylos to fortify a rocky promontory there.

Athens settles Sparta helot deserters and Messenians from Pylos at Kranion.

Athens transports the Sparta helots and Messenians previously moved to Kranion back to Pylos to annoy Sparta

Messenians sent away from Naupaktos travel to Kyrene and join in the effort against Ariston, but most are killed.

The helots of Messene revolt against Sparta

The Thebans under Epaminondas rebuild the city of Messene.

Artaxerxes II attempts to mediate between the Greek states. He proposes a settlement that highly favors Thebes and leaves Messene free. All states except for Thebes reject it.

Epaminondas and Boeotia defeat Sparta at the Battle of Mantinea. However, the death of Epaminondas would spell Thebes‘ downfall. On the side of Thebes were Tegea, Argos, Messene, Sikyon, and the Aenianians. On the side of Sparta were Heraia, Athens, Elis, and Mantinea.

The Social War begins, pitting members of the Achaian League, including Aegira, Patrai, Dyme, Bura, Sikyon, Corinth, Megalopolis, Messenia, Argos, Elis, and Macedon, against Sparta under King Kleomenes III, who were supported by the Aetolian League and Athens.

An earthquake destroys Aptera, Gortyna, Eleutherna, and Knossos on Crete. Alexandria is devastated by a tsunami, and Kyrene is also affected by the same tsunami. Kydonia is also damaged. In the Peloponnese, Messene is affected.

The author of this page tours the ruins at Messene and greatly enjoys them.