Ancient Coin Stories

Let coins tell their stories…

Megara Ae Dichalkon
Prior to Achaean League 3rd to 2nd Century BCE
13mm, 2.1gms
Obv: Prow of Galley; MEG above
Rev: Obelisk of Apollo between two dolphin swimming upward
Ex Bargain Bin Ancients

Pausanias attributes the founding of Megara to Car, who was a king of Megara and built a castle called Caria, that had absolutely nothing to do with Caria.

Later on, Megara started colonies in Kalchedon and Byzantion. For most of the Peloponnesian War, Megara was on the side of Sparta and one of the causes of the war was the Megara Decree, which forbade merchants from Megara from trading in Athens.

One of the odder battles that occurred in Megara was an attack by Antigonos II Gonatas in 266 BCE. The matter seemed hopeless against his war elephants, but they managed to counter the huge animals with burning pigs. Supposedly the high pitched squealing caused tremendous discomfort to the elephants. The move was cute, but they lost the siege and had to capitulate to Antigonos.

This coin depicts Apollo on the obverse, which may be related to the Apollo oracles in Delphi and near Miletos that Megara headed.

667 BCE

Byzantion is founded by Byzas of Megara.

560 BCE

Herakleia Pontika founded by colonists from Megara and named after Herakles, who it was believed entered the underworld through a nearby cave.

519 BCE

Aegina’s navy captures Athenians involved in a conflict between Athens and Megara.

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.

459 BCE

Megara and Corinth go to war. Athens supports Megara and obtains access to the Isthmus of Corinth.

433 BCE

Athens imposes trade sanctions on citizens of Megara, which angers the Spartans and is one of the causes of the Peloponnesian War.

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.

323 BCE

The Lamian War breaks out, pitting Athens, Thebes, Megara, Argos, and the Aetolian League against Antipater of Macedon.

266 BCE

Antigonos II blockades Athens and destroys a temple to Poseidon between it and Megara. Ptolemy II sends a fleet to break the blockade.