Circa 400-350 BCE
AE 14.09mm 1.25g
Obverse: Bull butting left
Reverse: Large Φ surrounded by four pellets
BCD Peloponnesos 107
Ex BCD Collection
Ex 1985 Frank Kovacs
Much of the history of Phlious involves a constant dispute between democratic and oligarchic factions. Although a consistent ally of Sparta, the latter city rarely forced its brand of government on them.
Phlious was a relatively small city, with roughly five thousand men of fighting age. Yet the exiles of whichever faction was not in power often induced Sparta to intervene on their behalf.
The city often suffered from invasions by Athens, Thebes, and Sikyon that were generally intended against their more powerful neighbor, Sparta. However, they remained remarkably steadfast in support of the Lakedaimons.
Phlious was the birthplace of Pratinas, who was a famed playwright who competed against Aeschylus and who was credited with separating satiric from tragic drama. Only fragments of his work are preserved.