4th-3rd centuries BCE
Æ Chalkous 13mm, 2.09g, 3h
Bearded head of Dionysos r., wearing ivy wreath.
R/ Π-Ε, Kantharos, with tendrils and grape bunches emerging from l. and r.
BCD Thessaly II 798; HGC 6, 412
Peparethos, which was located on the modern day island of Skopelos, was by legend founded by Peparethos, who was the brother of Staphylos, the first ruler of the island. Both were the sons of Dionysos and Ariadne from Crete.
Staphylos means ‘grape’ in Greek, hence the depiction of grapes on the reverse and the portrait of Dionysos on the obverse. The island was also famous for its wine, and amphorae from Peparethos have been found across the region.
The city of Peparethos itself (there were other cities on the island, also called Peparethos, but as far as we know they didn’t mint coins), was founded in the 7th century BCE by colonists from Chalkis, who also founded Skiathos.
Later, the city was put under siege by Alexander of Pherae. In 338 BCE, the island came under the control of Macedonia as a result of the Battle of Chaeronea.
Some parts of the ancient city wall exist today, but most of the ruins have been overtaken by the modern city, which is considered among the prettiest in Greece.
With Theban power down after the death of Epaminondas, Alexander of Pherai takes Tinos and sells the inhabitants as slaves, then besieges Peparethos. Athens defeats Alexander near Sounion and relieves Peparethos. Alexander then plunders Piraios.
The Romans declare Peparethos a free city.
Peparethos is gifted by Marc Antony to Athens.