Ancient Coin Stories

Andros was the northernmost of the Cyclades and a major power among the island states. By the 7th century BCE, it was prosperous enough to found several of its own colonies, one of which – Akanthos – later minted its own coinage.

A famous temple was in the city dedicated to Dionysos, who appears on this coin. Dionysos worship was typical in Thrace, which wasn’t that far from Andros.

Historically, Andros was hostile to Athens. It joined the side of Xerxes during the Persian Wars, which later brought it much grief from the rest of Greece. It was later likely forcibly joined to the Delian League, but still wasn’t overly crazy about Athens. It declared its freedom in 411 BCE and despite an Athenian attempt to re-take it in 408 BCE, it remained independent.

It came under Macedonian control in 333 BCE, when it was forced to accept a Macedonian garrison, and was freed again by Ptolemy I in 308 BCE. It briefly passed to Macedon again before becoming a key port for the Ptolemaic fleet. In 200 BCE, it was taken by the Attalids, where it remained until taken by Rome in 133 BCE.

The ruins of the ancient city remain and can be visited, but the way is difficult and there are no signs to help. There is a small museum that contains artifacts dug up at the site.