Bruttium. Rhegion
450-425 BCE
Æ Onkia 13.04mm 1.05g
Obverse: Lion’s scalp, seen from above
Reverse: R-E, sprig of leaves between
SNG ANS 678
Today, Rhegion is the modern city of Reggio Calabria, the largest city in Calabria with over a half million people. Although its history predates the Greeks, it was traditionally founded by Chalkidians in the 8th century BCE.
The city quickly grew to be among the most powerful in Italy. Under its tyrant Anaxilas the city Zankle (Messana) was conquered. They later formed an alliance with Athens, though during its ill-fated invasion of Sicily, Rhegion provided only limited assistance. Later, Rhegion formed an alliance with Rome and was an ally for much of its history.
Possible foundation date of Rhegion by Chalkidian settlers
Anaxilas takes power in Rhegion
Rhegion under Anaxilas attempts to take Lokri, but fails
Death of Anaxilas of Rhegion
Mikythos of Rhegion removed by Hieron I of Syracuse in favor of the children of Anaxilas
A popular revolt removes the children of Anaxilas in Rhegion
Rhegion renews its alliance with Athens
Dionysos I of Syracuse attacks Rhegion, but is repelled
Dionysos I of Syracuse destroys the navy of Rhegion
Rhegion sacked by Dionysos I of Syracuse
Rhegion makes an alliance with Rome
Roman forces restore the independence of Rhegion
An earthquake heavily damages Rhegion
Another earthquake damages Rhegion
Yet another earthquake causes severe damage to Rhegion