350 – 340 BCE
AE 12mm 1.4g
Head of Athena right /
NAY; Dolphin in meander pattern.
BMC Ionia p. 202, 1
For most of its ancient existence, Naulochos was the port for Priene. However, these coins and some evidence indicate that it was an independent city for some time.
For example, in 334 BCE Alexander the Great decreed that citizens of Priene were granted privileges in Naulochos. At another time, they received an ambassador from Argos.
The name for Naulochos was derived from the Greek god for seafaring. Its coinage resembles that of Priene. Both had a similar Athena on the obverse, but Priene did not have a dolphin on the reverse, though did have a similar circular pattern.
Alexander III decrees that citizens of Priene have the right to reside in Naulochos and certain privileges there.
September 3
Octavian defeats Sextus Pompey, the son of Pompey the Great, in the naval Battle of Naulochos, solidifying his control over Rome’s grain supply.