ATHENS
(MYCENAEANS)
The site that later became Athens was occupied from at least as
early as 5000 BC. The first signs of habitation were found at the
Cave of Schist. By the sixteenth century BC the settlement had become
an important centre of Mycenaean civilisation, and a major fortress
existed at the site. Much of Greece remained under Minoan domination
until around the fifteenth century BC, at which point its Mycenaean
inhabitants gained independence and established a series of powerful
city states of their own.
At
the end of this period, by the twelfth century BC, Athens became
the bolt-hole for those Mycenaeans who remained in Greece, possibly
along with a population of Pelasgians, while the rest of the country
was invaded by the barbarian Dorians from the north. Athens found
itself cut off by this invasion, as the rest of Greece (and a great
swathe of the Near East) entered a dark age. The city endured an
impoverished culture, retaining only a local sphere of influence
and limited trade until the end of the dark age.
Once
a full recovery was underway in the eighth and seventh centuries,
Athens was able to trade with the Phoenician city states, and with
Syria as a whole, with papyrus being imported from there and locations
being used in stories about the Greek gods. The Greeks imported
the Phoenician alphabet and eastern artistic influences, and were
firmly a part of the trade system of the region. By this time they
had ditched their (semi-legendary) kings and were well on the way
to creating the world's earliest-known democracy.
(Additional
information from The Iliad, Homer (Translated by E V Rieu, Penguin
Books, 1963), and from External Link: Miletus (Perseus Digital Library).)
fl
c.1500 BC :
Actaeus
: First king of Attica, which was inherited by Cecrops.
Cecrops
I : Half-man half-serpent. Regarded as the first king of
Athens.
c.1470
BC :
During
his reign of fifty-six years, Crecops is credited with deifying
Zeus, adopting Athena as the patron goddess of the city, and introducing
literacy and marriage. During this period, Greece is still under
the domination of the Minoans, but the volcano at the heart of the
island of Thera erupts around this time, ending Minoan dominance
of the Mycenaeans. The various Mycenaean city states begin to dominate
not only Greece but the islands of the Aegean and Crete itself.
Erysichthon
: Son. Predeceased his father and did not rule.
Cranaus
: Athens' wealthiest citizen. Reigned for 9 or 10 years.
Cranaus
is deposed by Amphictyon who is in turn deposed by Erichthonius.
Amphictyon is the son of Deucalion, who apparently flees to Athens
to escape a flood. His son marries a daughter of Cranaus.
Amphictyon
: Son-in-law. Usurped the throne. Ruled 10 or 12 years.
Deposed.
Erichthonius
/ Erichthonios : Brother. Drove out Amphictyon.
Pandion
I : Son.
Erechtheus
: Son. His grandson was Menestheus, king of Athens.
Cecrops
II : Son. Ruled for 40 years.
c.1300/2600
BC :
Pandion
II : Father of Lycus of Lycia in Greek mythology, and of
Aegeus.
Metion
: Seized the throne.
Upon the death of Pandion II (a legendary king who is perhaps confused
with an earlier namesake in his possible dating to circa
2600 BC), Metion seizes the throne. The four sons of Pandion wrest
back control of Athens and divide control of the city state between
them, with Aegeus becoming king. One of the brothers, Lycus, is
also claimed as the founder of Lycia.
Aegeus
/ Aigeus / Aegeas / Aigeas : Son of Pandion. King of Athens,
and father of Theseus.
Medea,
the abandoned wife of Jason of Iolkos, flees to Thebes and then
Athens, where she marries King Aegeus. When his son, Theseus, returns
Medea leaves for Kolkis, where she kills her usurper uncle and restores
her father to his throne.
![Aegeus and the Oracle](Athens_AegeusOracle01_full.jpg)
Aegeus,
grandson of the semi-mythical King Erichthonius of Athens, consults
the Oracle at Delphi for advice regarding his lack of a male heir
despite two marriages
fl
c.1200 BC :
Theseus
: Son. Aged 70, raped the teenaged Helen of Sparta.
1200
- 1140 BC :
Mycenaean power is gradually eroded by the invading Dorians from
the north, with domination coming by about 1140 BC. The surviving
Ionic-speaking Mycenaeans gather and flourish in Athens, or in conquered
Mediterranean territories which probably include Phillistia.
fl
c.1183 BC :
Menestheus
: Son of Peteus, son of Orneus, son of Erechtheus.
c.1193
- 1183 BC :
Agamemnon
of Mycenae calls to arms the forces of his allied Achaean kingdoms,
including Athens, to take part in the Trojan War. Menestheus,
king of Athens since Theseus travelled to the Underworld, takes
fifty black ships in support of the siege of Troy but seems to be
rather shy of being involved in the fighting himself. After the
war is over, he sails to Mimas and then Melos, where he becomes
king, ruling jointly over that and Athens until his death.
Demophon
: Son of Theseus. Fought in the Trojan War.
Oxyntes
: Son.
Ampheidas
: Son. Reigned for 1 year.
Thymoetes
: Brother. The last descendant of Theseus to rule.
c.1126
- 1089 BC :
Melanthus
: Former king of Messenia. Succeeded or overthrew Thymoetes.
c.1089
- 1068 BC :
Codros
/ Codrus : Last king. Position replaced by the Archons.
c.1068
BC :
Codros
sacrifices himself to prevent an oracle regarding the Doric conquest
of the city from coming true. In doing so, he preserves the Mycenaean
bloodline that survives in Athens when all of Greece has fallen
to the Dorians. His heirs become hereditary Archons, or lords, of
Athens, with his son, Medros, the first of these. Another son, Neleus,
is credited with founding (actually re-founding) the city of Miletus
in Caria.
Hereditary
Archons of Athens :
c.1068 - 753 BC
The first step towards establishing the earliest known democracy
(although the Athenians of the time were not to know that this is
where their actions would lead them) was the abolition of the kingship
around 1068 BC. In its place the position of archon, or lord, of
Athens was created. In other Greek cities the position was that
of the chief magistrate, an office which the later Romans would
perpetuate and which, in post-Roman Britain at least, would often
be the equivalent of a king. In Athens it was an assignment for
life, and the power held was, again, virtually equivalent to that
of a king. Medros, the son of the last king, became the first archon.
1068
- 1048 BC :
Medon
: Son of Codros. First hereditary archon.
1048
- 1012 BC :
Acastus
1012
- 993 BC :
Archippus
993
- 952 BC :
Thersippus
952
- 922 BC :
Phorbas
922
- 892 BC :
Megacles
c.900
BC :
Iron
Age burials from this point onwards, in the Kerameikos and other
locations, are often richly provided for and demonstrate that Athens
has already become one of the leading centres of trade and prosperity
in the region. This may be due to its secure stronghold on the Acropolis
and its access to the sea which give it a distinct advantage over
inland cities such as Sparta and Thebes.
892
- 864 BC :
Diognetus
864
- 845 BC :
Pherecles
845
- 825 BC :
Ariphron
824
- 797 BC :
Thespieus
796
- 778 BC :
Agamestor
778
- 755 BC :
Aeschylus
755
- 753 BC :
Alcmaeon
: Last hereditary archon.
Elected
Archons of Athens (Classical Period) :
753 BC - 148 BC
The virtual kingship of the previous archons was abolished in favour
of an elected official. Initially the term of office was ten years,
and the individuals who held office under these terms are known
as the decennial archons. In 683 BC the term of office was limited
to just one year, the annual archons, with each candidate being
selected from amongst the members of the Areopagus council. The
polemarch headed the city's defensive forces, while the archon
basileus handled the religious duties, including the ceremonial
functions remaining from the former kingship.
As one of the leaders of Greece's emergence from the post-Hittite
dark age, this city state experienced periods of turmoil, but out
of that turmoil evolved the same evolution of philosophy and a spirit
of examination of all the world contained that was starting to take
place in contemporary China. A full recovery was underway by the
eighth century BC and into the seventh, and Athens developed trade
with the Phoenician city states, and with Syria as a whole. Papyrus
was imported and these strange new locations were used in stories
about the Greek gods. The Phoenician alphabet and eastern artistic
influences were also imported, helping to lay the foundations for
the world's earliest-known democracy.
(Additional information from The Persian Empire, J M Cook
(1983), from The Histories, Herodotus (Penguin, 1996), from
The Greek Settlements in Thrace until the Macedonian Conquest,
Benjamin H Isaac, from the BBC series, The Story of China,
by Michael Wood, first broadcast between 21 January and 25 February
2016, and from External Link: Encyclopaedia Iranica.)
753
- 743 BC :
Charops
: First of the decennial archons.
c.750
BC :
By this time the Greek world has largely taken shape as a collection
of city states, often at war with one another, but also feeling
certain common ties of language, religion, and customs. The system
mirrors the pre-dark age world of the Mycenaeans, perpetuated in
their surviving mainland heirs, the Athenians.
743
- 733 BC :
Aesimides
733
- 723 BC :
Clidicus
723
- 713 BC :
Hippomenes
713
- 703 BC :
Leocrates
703
- 693 BC :
Apsander
693
- 683 BC :
Eryxias
: Last of the decennial archons.
682
- 681 BC :
Creon
: First of the annual archons.
681
- 680 BC :
Lysiades
680
- 679 BC :
Tlesias
679
- 671 BC :
?
: Eight archons, names unknown.
671
- 670 BC :
Leostratus
670
- 669 BC :
?
: Name unknown.
669
- 668 BC :
Pisistratus
668
- 667 BC :
Autosthenes
667
- 664 BC :
?
: Three archons, names unknown.
664
- 663 BC :
Miltiades
663
- 659 BC :
?
: Four archons, names unknown.
659
- 658 BC :
Miltiades
658
- 645 BC :
?
: Thirteen archons, names unknown.
645
- 644 BC :
Dropides
644
- 639 BC :
?
: Five archons, names unknown.
639
- 638 BC :
Damasias
638
- 634 BC :
?
: Four archons, names unknown.
634
- 633 BC :
Epaenetus
633
- 632 BC :
?
: Name unknown.
632
- 631 BC :
Megacles
: Subdued an attempted coup.
632
BC :
Cylon
(or Kylon or Kulon) is an Athenian noble and previous Olympic Games
winner. He attempts a coup with support from Megara, of which his
father-in-law, Theagenes, is tyrant. The coup is opposed, and Cylon
and his supporters take refuge in Athena's temple on the Acropolis.
Cylon and his brother escape, but his followers are cornered and
killed by the archons, led by Megacles. This is the first reliably
datable event in Athenian history.
![Athenian black figure pottery](Athens_Pottery01_full.jpg)
Athenian
black figure pottery began to be created around 630 BC, although
the earlier date of about 700 BC is claimed for Corinth - by the
630s it was certainly the dominant form of pottery
631
- 624 BC :
?
: Seven archons, names unknown.
624
- 623 BC :
Aristaechmus
623
- 621 BC :
?
: Two archons, names unknown.
621
- 620 BC :
Draco
: Reformed the city's legal code.
621/620
BC :
During the 39th Olympiad, and as a partial result of the attempted
coup of 632 BC, Draco reforms the laws of Athens, establishing a
legal code which replaces the previous system of oral law and blood
feuds with court-enforceable laws. The laws are viewed as being
harsh, hence the term 'draconian', but are generally welcomed by
the people who are no longer at the mercy of nobles who could make
up the law as they saw fit.
620
- 615 BC :
?
: Five archons, names unknown.
615
- 614 BC :
Heniochides
614
- 605 BC :
?
: Nine archons, names unknown.
605
- 604 BC :
Aristocles
604
- 600 BC :
?
: Four archons, names unknown.
600
- 599 BC :
Critias
599
- 597 BC :
?
: Two archons, names unknown.
597
- 596 BC :
Cypselus
596
- 595 BC :
Telecles
595
- 594 BC :
Philombrotus
594
- 593 BC :
Solon
593
BC :
The nobles of Athens have been growing increasingly worried by the
expanding body of complaints from the commoners of Athens. Solon
is given extraordinary powers to reform the state and ease the tensions
between the different classes. He passes economic and political
reforms that lay the foundations for the city's later greatness.
593
- 592 BC :
Dropides
592
- 591 BC :
Eucrates
591
- 590 BC :
Simon
590
- 589 BC :
The city is briefly in a state of anarchy, probably as tensions
continue to grow between the classes. This is despite Solon's reforms
which have eased the situation somewhat but not removed it.
589
- 588 BC :
Phormion
588
- 587 BC :
Philippus
587
- 586 BC :
?
: Name unknown.
586
- 585 BC :
Another period of anarchy grips the city and no archon is elected
during it. Fighting takes place between the Hill (peasants on small
farms), Shore (artisans and traders), and Plain (nobles) factions.
585
- 582 BC :
?
: Three archons, names unknown.
582
- 581 BC :
Damasias
: Founded the 'Seven Sages.
c.582 BC :
The 'Seven Sages' are created during the archonship of Damasius.
Thales of Miletus, mathematician, astronomer, and pre-Socratic philosopher,
is counted as the first sage. Details about his heritage conflict,
either placing him in Miletus as the son of a Greek woman and Phoenician-descended
man, or having him emigrate there from Athens (the cities have been
closely linked for centuries). Once there, aside from his teachings,
he is present on the campaign by Croesus of Lydia in 547 BC against
Cyrus the Great.
581
- 580 BC :
Damasias
: Second term of office. Expelled.
580
- 578 BC :
Damasias is expelled during his second term of office. During a
renewed spell of anarchy in Athens, a committee of ten fulfils the
role of archon in 580-579 BC, but apparently it fails to survive
beyond that. The city remains ungoverned until 578 BC.
578
- 577 BC :
?
: Name unknown.
577
- 576 BC :
Archestratidas
576
- 570 BC :
?
: Six archons, names unknown.
570
- 569 BC :
Aristomenes
569
- 566 BC :
?
: Three archons, names unknown.
566
- 565 BC :
Hippocleides
565
- 561 BC :
?
: Four archons, names unknown.
561
- 560 BC :
Comeas
561
BC :
Fighting in Athens continues between the Hill (peasants on small
farms), Shore (artisans and traders), and Plain (nobles) factions.
Eventually, the leader of the hill faction, Peisistratus, gains
the upper hand. Athens falls under his rule as tyrant (although
tyrant should be used in the Greek sense, not its modern sense).
Peisistratus dominates Athens as a benevolent dictator, and becomes
highly popular thanks to making the city very wealthy and powerful.
561
- 556 BC :
Peisistratus
/ Pisistratus : Tyrant. Expelled, but returned the following
year.
560
- 559 BC :
Hegestratus
: First archon elected under the tyrant's rule.
559
- 558 BC :
Hegesias
558
- 556 BC :
?
: Two archons, names unknown.
556
- 555 BC :
Hegesias
556
- 555 BC :
Peisistratus
is briefly expelled, but returns the following year, regaining control
over Athens.
![Peisistratus coins](Athens_Coins01_full.jpg)
Two
coins issued during the tyranny of Peisistratus in Athens, who became
the master of the city by force of arms (hence the traditional title
of tyrant), and who was twice restored to his position
555
- 550 BC :
Pisistratus
: Restored tyrant. Expelled for the second time.
555
- 554 BC :
Euthidemus
554
- 548 BC :
?
: Six archons, names unknown.
c.550
- 546 BC :
Peisistratus is expelled again, but once again returns to regain
his control of Athens, this time four years later. At the third
attempt he fully establishes his, apparently benevolent, dictatorship
of the city.
548
- 547 BC :
Erxicleides
547
- 546 BC :
Thespius
546
- 528 BC :
Pisistratus
: Restored as tyrant for the second time.
546
- 545 BC :
Phormion
545
- 535 BC :
?
: Ten archons, names unknown.
536
- 535 BC :
Phrynaeus
535
- 533 BC :
?
: Two archons, names unknown.
533
- 532 BC :
Thericles
532
- 528 BC :
?
: Four archons, names unknown.
528
BC :
Peisistratus dies peacefully and is succeeded by his two sons, who
apparently rule jointly. They continue their father's policies,
at first successfully, but Hipparchus begins to abuse his power.
528
- c.510 BC :
Hippias
: Son and successor to Peisistratus as tyrant. Assassinated.
520
- c.514 BC :
Hipparchus
: Brother. Co-tyrant. Overthrown.
528
- 527 BC :
Philoneus
527
- 526 BC :
Onetorides
526
- 525 BC :
Hippias
525
- 524 BC :
Cleisthenes
: Grandson of the king of Sicyon.
524
- 523 BC :
Miltiades
523
- 522 BC :
Calliades
522
- 521 BC :
Pisistratus
521
- 518 BC :
?
: Three archons, names unknown.
518
- 517 BC :
Hebron
517
- 511 BC :
?
: Six archons, names unknown.
c.514
BC :
Hipparchus is assassinated by Harmodius and Aristogeiton, who earn
themselves the title of the Tyrannicides. In retaliation, Hippias
has them executed, but he becomes bitter, and his rule takes a turn
towards increased cruelty.
c.511
- 510 BC :
Hippias
is overthrown with the help of Sparta, and the beginnings of Athenian
democracy begin to be established. A radical politician of the aristocratic
class, named Cleisthenes, takes charge and begins to establish democracy
in the city.
511
- 510 BC :
Harpactides
: First independent archon since 561 BC.
510
- 509 BC :
Scamandrius
509
- 508 BC :
Lysagoras
508
- 507 BC :
Isagoras
: Son of Tisander. Exiled by Cleisthenes.
508 - 507 BC :
A friend of Cleomenes I of Sparta, Isagoras is elected archon after
having remained in Athens during the tyranny of Hippias. His appointment
is opposed not only by Cleisthenes but by the majority of the city's
population. Isagoras and Cleomenes work to get Cleisthenes expelled
from the city, but a general Athenian revolt sees Isagoras instead
being trapped and exiled, while three hundred of his supporters
are executed. Cleisthenes returns as archon.
508
- 507 BC :
Cleisthenes
: Competed with Isagoras. Expelled by Cleomenes I of Sparta.
508/507
BC :
The
populace of Athens creates the world's first organised democracy.
Although it is copied by other Greek cities, it is the best recorded
of them all, and the most stable. It is handled on a very restricted
basis, with women and anyone without two Athenian-born parents ineligible
to vote. In fact, the position of women in this democracy is surprisingly
low. It is possible that the world's first face veil is invented
for women in Athens.
![School of Athens by Rafael](Athens_Painting01_full.jpg)
The
School of Athens by Italian Renaissance artist Rafael (1483-1520)
represents philosophy by including such figures as Aristotle (centre,
in sky blue) and Plato (centre, in purple and red)
While
the date of 508 BC (or 507 BC) is given here, there is a great deal
of uncertainty about the precise moment at which Athenian democracy
emerges, with dates between 510-500 BC being given. As it is known
that Cleisthenes champions this radical political reform in the
face of the increasingly hard rule of the tyrant Pisistratus (522-521
BC), it seems appropriate to place it here.
In 507 BC the Athenians are threatened with attack on three fronts
by hostile Greek neighbours. They send to Sardis, capital of the
Persian satrapy of Sparda, asking for a Persian alliance. This involves
the Greek envoys recognising Persian suzerainty, something which
the Athenians promptly disavow after the emergency is over. The
Persians probably see it differently, viewing the Athenians as rebellious
subjects when they renounce the alliance, what Darius the Great
calls 'the Lie'.
507
- 506 BC :
Alcmeon
506
- 504 BC :
?
: Two archons, names unknown.
504
- 503 BC :
Acestorides
503
- 501 BC :
?
: Two archons, names unknown.
501
- 500 BC :
Hermocreon
500
- 499 BC :
Smyrus
499
BC :
The Ionian Greeks of western Anatolia and the islands of the eastern
Aegean who are under Persian hegemony now rise in the Ionian
Revolt. The Carians join in and, with the Ionians being led
by Aristagoras, tyrant of Miletus, they inflict heavy losses on
the Persians. Similar revolts arise in Aeolis, Salamis, and Doris
as the Greeks see a chance for freedom. Athens sends troops to aid
the Ionian islands but the Persians gradually gain the upper hand
and the revolt begins to crumble.
499
- 498 BC :
Lacratides
498
- 497 BC :
?
: Name unknown.
497
- 496 BC :
Archias
496
- 495 BC :
Hipparchus
495
- 494 BC :
Philippus
494
- 493 BC :
Pythocritus
493
BC :
The end of the Ionian Revolt probably sees the Persians breath
a sigh of relief that these troublesome Greeks are back under proper
control. The main leader of the revolt, Aristagoras of Miletus,
flees to Thrace in the hopes of setting up a colony outside Persia's
control, but he is killed in a battle against a nearby town. His
chosen successor in Miletus is Pythagoras, but Darius the Great
kills the men of the city and enslaves its women and children, ensuring
that the city is deserted. For its part in the revolt, Athens will
soon face the first of two Persian invasions of Greece itself.
493
- 492 BC :
Themistocles
: Archon and pre-eminent Athenian. Banished.
492
- 491 BC :
Diognetus
491
- 490 BC :
Hybrilides
490
BC :
In response to the Athenian support of the Ionian Revolt,
Darius the Great invades mainland Greece. Athens is sacked, but
only after its citizens withdraw safely, and subsequently the Persian
invaders are defeated by Athens and Plataea at the Battle of Marathon
in August or September of the year. During this period, Callimachus
and Miltiades are strategoi for Athens.
490
- 489 BC :
Phaenippus
489
- 488 BC :
Aristides
the Just
488
- 487 BC :
Anchises
487
- 486 BC :
Telesinus
486
- 485 BC :
Ceures
485
- 484 BC :
Philocrates
484
- 483 BC :
Leostratus
483
- 482 BC :
Nicodemus
483
BC :
A rich seam of lead is found in the mines of Laurion in southern
Attica, to the south of Athens. Silver is located within this seam,
making Athens suddenly a very rich city. It also becomes a very
slave-rich society, as workers are needed to dig the mines. Themistocles,
still a highly-influential politician, persuades the democratic
assembly to start a crash ship-building programme. The goal is two
hundred triremes, trebling Athenian naval power. This fleet proves
vital at the end of the decade.
482
- 481 BC :
?
: Name unknown.
481
- 480 BC :
Hypsichides
480
- 479 BC :
Calliades
480
- 479 BC :
Invading
Greece in 480 BC, the Persians subdue the Thracian tribes (except
for the Satrai, precursors to the Bessoi) and the Macedonians. Then
the vast army of the Persian King Xerxes makes its way southwards
and is swiftly engaged by Athens and Sparta in the Vale of Tempe.
The Persians are subsequently stymied by a mixed force of Greeks
- which includes Athenians, Corinthians, Helots, Mycenaeans, Thebans,
and Thespians - led by Sparta under King Leonidas at Thermopylae.
(These events are depicted somewhat colourfully - but no less impressively
for that - in the 2007 film, 300.)
Athens, as the leader of the coalition of city states known as the
Delian League, fights the Persian navy at the battles of Artemisium
and Salamis, the latter being a resounding Greek victory. It leaves
much of the Persian navy destroyed and Xerxes is forced to retreat
to Asia, leaving his army in Greece under Mardonius (with the naval
battles being shown to superb graphic effect in the 2014 sequel
film, 300: Rise of an Empire, although it does contain a
great many historical inaccuracies). As a reward for his support
of Xerxes during the war, the exiled Demaratus of Sparta is granted
a satrapy of his own in Pergamum, whilst Queen Artemisia I of Halicarnassus
in Karkâ is sent to Ephesus to care for the sons of Xerxes. The
following year, Mardonius meets the Greeks in a final battle. The
Spartans, now at full strength, lead a pan-Greek army at the Battle
of Plataea in 479 BC which decisively defeats the Persians and ends
the Greco-Persian War.
480
- 400? BC :
The northern coastal region of the Persian satrapy of Katpatuka
is carved off to form a new province called Pontus. The exact date
at which this occurs is unknown, but it is an established fact by
the time of Xenophon of Athens in the first half of the fourth century
BC.
479
- 478 BC :
Xanthippus
: Father of Pericles.
479
- 460s? BC :
Following the evacuation of Xerxes and his great army, many of the
Persian governors in Thrace are defeated by Greeks and expelled.
One exception is Maskames of Doriskos. He holds out bravely, resisting
all attempts to dislodge him. The only other local governor to do
so is Boges of Eion, but he faces his eventual defeat in 475 BC
by walking into the flames of his burning command.
Just
how long Doriskos holds out is open to interpretation. Herodotus
records 'many attempts' by the Greeks to reclaim it, which must
cover several years, but some opinion goes so far as to say that
the Greeks never recover the city. Instead it is eventually taken
over by Thracians.
478
- 477 BC :
Timosthenes
477
- 476 BC :
Adimantus
476
- 475 BC :
Phaedon
475
- 474 BC :
Dromoclides
474
- 473 BC :
Acestorides
473
- 472 BC :
Menon
472
- 471 BC :
Chares
471
- 470 BC :
Praxiergus
470
- 469 BC :
Demotion
469
- 468 BC :
Apsephion
469
BC :
Athenian statesman and general, Kimon (or Cimon) leads an allied
Greek fleet to Caria. The attack focuses on destroying Persian strongholds
as far as Phaselis on the border with Pamphylia. The response from
Xerxes is to send an army under Pherendates to Pamphylia and a joint
fleet from Khilakku and Phoenicia (rebuilt after the loss of the
Persian fleet in 479 BC) under the command of Tithraustes, a bastard
son of Xerxes. The new fleet is destroyed and captured, and the
Persian army is utterly defeated.
468
- 467 BC :
Theagenides
468
- 459 BC :
Athens
wrests Lycia from the Persians, and it is perhaps this Athenian
acquisition of more territory which prompts Admitos of Epirus to
oppose Themistocles (the former archon) and his command of Athenian
affairs. The issue is rested upon the peaceful death of Themistocles.
![Themistocles](Athens_Themistocles01_full.jpg)
The
Athenian politician and general Themistocles (archon in 493-492
BC) helped build up the city's navy so that it was a force to be
reckoned with when the Persians invaded Greece - thanks to this
the Athenian Admiral Cimon was able to defeat the Persians on the
banks of the River Eurymedon in Pamphylia in 465 BC
467
- 466 BC :
Lysistratus
466
- 465 BC :
Lysanias
465
- 464 BC :
Lysitheus
: Sophanes fulfils the role of strategos (military
general).
464
- 463 BC :
Archedemides
463
- 462 BC :
Tlepolemus
: Cimon fulfils the role of strategos.
462
- 461 BC :
Conon
: Assassinated.
461
- 460 BC :
Euthippus
460
- 459 BC :
Phrasicles
460
BC :
The
First Peloponnesian War, between Athens and Sparta, begins.
Pleistoanax of Sparta advocates peace, but in 446 BC he is charged
by the Spartans with taking a bribe, probably from Pericles of Athens.
This is allegedly to encourage him to withdraw from the plain of
Eleusis in Attica after leading the Peloponnesian forces there following
the withdrawal of Euboea and Megara from the Athenian empire. As
a result of the charge he is exiled. His father is regent in his
stead. In fact, Pericles had probably been offering good peace terms.
In 428 BC, Pleistoanax is recalled and restored in obedience to
the advice of the Delphic oracle.
In
the same year, Satrap Achaemenes of Egypt is killed at the Battle
of Pampremis. His opponents are Inarus (or Inaros), son of a Psamtik
and leader of the Second Rebellion in Egypt, and his Athenian allies.
It is generally assumed that Psamtik is a member of the dispossessed
Saite dynasty. The Greek threat is finally ended in 454 BC when
Megabyzus, former satrap of Ebir-nāri, arrives with a fresh
army. Inarus is hauled off to Susa where he is reported to be crucified.
459
- 458 BC :
Philocles
458
- 457 BC :
Habron
457
- 456 BC :
Mnesitheides
456
- 455 BC :
Callias
: Later involved in the Peace of Callias (447 BC).
455
- 454 BC :
Sosistratus
454/453
BC :
An Athenian army under the command of Myronides marches into Thessaly,
being joined by allied Boeotians and Phocians along the way. The
campaign is partly in revenge for losses suffered in a previous
campaign, but also by a wish to restore Orestes to his native city.
Orestes' late father had been an Athenian ally. The campaign ends
without a result, and the Athenians return home along with Orestes.
454
- 453 BC :
Ariston
454
BC :
As the 'Halikarnassians' appear in the first Athenian tribute list
of 454 BC, most scholars have suggested that the rule of Lygdamis
as tyrant of Halicarnassus must end before this date. An opposing
theory shows that the tribute list does not necessarily imply that
Lygdamis has ceased to rule. Either way, at some point around this
date, and probably by 450 BC at the latest, Lygdamis is driven out
of Halicarnassus (Herodotus is a visitor to the city very soon after
this event). Halicarnassus joins Athen's Delian League until 395
BC.
453
- 452 BC :
Lysicrates
453
- 438 BC :
The Parthenon is constructed on the Acropolis ('high city' or citadel)
in Athens as a symbol of the city's power in the Aegean. The costs
of construction are paid for from the treasury of the Delian League
of independent city states which Athens has commandeered (both the
treasury and the league, turning it into the Athenian empire). It
is during this period, guided by the legendary orator Pericles,
that Athens achieves the height of its power and influence.
452
- 451 BC :
Chaerephanes
451
- 450 BC :
Antidotus
450
- 449 BC :
Euthydemus
449
- 448 BC :
Pedieus
448
- 447 BC :
Philiscus
447
BC :
The Peace of Callias brings the Greco-Persian Wars
to an end. The treaty is named after the head of a wealthy Athenian
family who is sent to conclude it with Artaxerxes I of Persia. To
differentiate him from his grandfather and grandson who share the
same name, this statesman is known as Callias II (archon in 456-455
BC).
447
- 446 BC :
Timarchides
c.440s
BC :
'Some years' after the expedition by Myronides of 454 BC, Pericles
of Athens summons a conference of all the Greeks to confer about
the shrines destroyed by the Persians during the invasion of 480-479
BC. Among those invited to attend are the Thessalians, the Phthiot
Achaeans (one of the few direct mentions of Phthia itself), the
Oetaeans and the Malians. However, opposition by Sparta causes the
project to be abandoned.
Around
the same time the Greek writer Herodotus uses the word 'Asia' in
reference to Anatolia, or perhaps the Persian empire as a whole,
in order to differentiate it from Greece or that other great civilisation,
Egypt. The origins of the word appear to be in a confederacy in
western Anatolia known as Assuwa or Assua. Certainly by about 1400-1300
BC this confederacy had already been formed by a number of regional
minor states which, collectively, had been allied to the Hittite
empire dominating Anatolia at that time. The city of Troy had counted
itself as a member of this confederacy.
Perciles
is also responsible for sending a naval expedition to the Greek
cities of the Black Sea which are under tribute to Persia, probably
soon after 444 BC, making a display of Athenian power, attempting
to relieve the cities there from oppression, and to stimulate trade
with Attica. It is at Sinope that the efficient Lamachus with thirteen
ships is tasked with expelling the tyrant Timesilaus. He does so
with great efficiency, and not long afterwards Athens votes to send
six hundred volunteer colonists to Sinope to occupy the houses and
lands of the defeated tyrant and his followers.
446
- 445 BC :
Callimachus
445
- 444 BC :
Lysimachides
445
BC :
The
First Peloponnesian War between Athens and Sparta comes to
an end as peace is agreed. In the same year (or in 443 BC), Pericles
is elected strategos after the assassination of Ephialtes.
He holds the post continuously until 429 BC.
444
- 443 BC :
Praxiteles
443
- 442 BC :
Lysanias
443
- 429 BC :
Pericles is a strategos for Athens for this period. His death
in 429 BC brings this unusually long post to an end, but it has
overseen a decline in the power of the archons in favour of the
strategoi. By this time many Lykian cities have stepped back
from their membership of the Athenian League. Only Phaselis and
Telmessos remain. An Athenian expedition in 429 BC to force Lykian
re-engagement ends in military defeat.
442
- 441 BC :
Diphilus
441
- 440 BC :
Timocles
440
- 439 BC :
Morychides
439
- 438 BC :
Glaucinus
438
- 437 BC :
Theodorus
437
- 436 BC :
Euthymenes
436
- 435 BC :
Lysimachus
435
- 434 BC :
Antiochides
434
- 433 BC :
Crates
433
- 432 BC :
Apseudes
432
- 431 BC :
Pythodorus
431
- 430 BC :
Euthydemus
431
- 404 BC :
The
Second Peloponnesian War pitches Athens against Sparta in
all-out war as resentment grows at the Athenian dominance of Greece.
Fortunes swing either way for several years, but the gradual diminution
of Athenian power that results from the wars would also seem to
be the catalyst for a virtual cessation of Greek trade with the
Illyrian tribes. Greek luxury items stop appearing alongside grave
goods after a little more than a century of what must be quite intensive
interaction.
![Athenian inscription fragment](Athens_Inscription01_full.jpg)
A
fragment of an Athenian inscription dated about 425 BC which contains
part of a list of archons, in this case six of them from the 520s
BC
430
- 429 BC :
Apollodorus
429
- 428 BC :
Epameinon
428
- 427 BC :
Diotimus
427
- 426 BC :
Eucles
426
- 425 BC :
Euthynus
425
- 424 BC :
Stratocles
424
- 423 BC :
Isarchus
423
- 422 BC :
Aminias
422
- 421 BC :
Alcaeus
421
- 420 BC :
Aristion
420
- 419 BC :
Astyphilus
419
- 418 BC :
Archias
418
- 417 BC :
Antiphon
417
- 416 BC :
Euphemus
416
BC :
Part
of Athens' strategy during the Second Peloponnesian War is
to capture the Corinthian colony of Syracuse. The expedition to
achieve that is sent off in this year. The expedition has also been
requested by the Elymi of Sicily to help in their ongoing struggle
against the colony of Selinus.
416
- 415 BC :
Arimnestus
415
- 414 BC :
Charias
414
- 413 BC :
Tisandrus
413
- 412 BC :
Cleocritus
412
BC :
During
the Second Peloponnesian War between Athens and Sparta, the
failure of the former city and its allied corps of Messapian archers
to take the Corinthian colony of Syracuse and the subsequent loss
of thousands of troops almost brings the city and its empire to
its knees. The Athenian strategoi are executed in Sicily,
but the city is able to agree a beneficial trade deal with Macedonia
to supply it with copious amounts of wood with which to rebuild
the fleet.
412
- 411 BC :
Callias
411
- 410 BC :
Mnasilochus
: Died in office.
411
BC :
Sparta's acquisition of Persian gold sees the Athenian fleet starved
of huge numbers of freelance rowers and soldiers, giving Sparta
dominance both on land and, for the first time, at sea. Athens is
defeated in the Second Peloponnesian War and Sparta is established
as the greatest Greek power.
Writing
at this time about the colonies of Graecia Magna, the reliable Greek
historian Thucydides of Alimos (close to Athens), mentions the Siculi.
He says that groups of Siculi still occupy the Italian mainland
in his time. It is possible, given their close links in the past
with the Itali (and therefore their close cousins the Morgetes),
that both peoples could be Siculi in all but name.
410
- 409 BC :
Glaucippus
409
- 408 BC :
Diocles
408
- 407 BC :
Euctemon
407
- 406 BC :
Antigenes
406
BC :
Construction
of the Temple of the Erechtheum on the Acropolis in Athens is completed.
It derives its name from a shrine dedicated to the legendary Greek
hero, Erichthonius, and is possibly built by Mnesicles.
406
- 405 BC :
Callias
405
- 404 BC :
Alexias
404
- 403 BC :
Pythodorus
: Not recognised during Sparta dominance of Athens.
404
- 403 BC :
Following
Athens' total defeat in the Second Peloponnesian War, Sparta
sets up the oligarchy of the Thirty Tyrants, which is naturally
pro-Spartan and which oversees the exile of many prominent citizens.
Pythodorus is not recognised as archon at a time when there is a
high level of disenchantment with democracy. However, democracy
is restored the following year, 403 BC, by a group of exiles led
by General Thrasybulus.
403
- 402 BC :
Eucleides
: Athenian democracy is restored.
402
- 401 BC :
Micon
401
- 400 BC :
Xenaenetus
401
BC :
A
revolt against the Persian king is led by Cyrus, satrap of Asia
Minor. He mobilises an army which also consists of ten thousand
Greek mercenaries to attack his brother. Defeat leads to his death
in October 401 BC at the Battle of Cunaxa.
Accompanying the many Greeks on this campaign is Xenephon, a notable
Greek writer from Athens. He notes that (the now-Persian) Ecbatana
is much smaller than the generous estimate given by Herodotus some
half a century before him. Xenephon offers a very credible three
hundred metres for each of the outer sides, and even claims that
it has no walls other than that around the citadel at the very top
of the hill. What Herodotus had termed walls (fortifications) could
simply be painted terraces, foundations for the road, spiralling
up around the hill and leading up to the palace, which at this time
is certainly walled and is accented in gold. If the area around
the outside of the hill where the road begins its rise is counted
as part of the 'city' then its size would come much closer to Herodotus'
claims.
![Battle of Cunaxa](Persia_BattleCunaxa01_full.jpg)
The
Battle of Cunaxa saw the end of just one in a number of internal
Persian revolts that often involved thousands of troops on either
side, although in this case the presence of a large body of Greek
mercenaries should have been an indicator of the future threat the
Greeks would become
400
- 399 BC :
Laches
399
- 398 BC :
Aristocrates
399
BC :
Following
the distress of suffering utter defeat in the Second Peloponnesian
War, the type of disturbing free speech that the philosopher,
Socrates, has long championed can no longer be tolerated. He is
tried and condemned to death, with charges of mocking the gods being
brought against him. His sentence is to drink poison. His pupil,
Plato, later writes him into history as the world's first martyr
to free speech.
398
- 397 BC :
Euthycles
397
- 396 BC :
Souniades
396
- 395 BC :
Phormion
395-
394 BC :
Diophandus
395
- 387 BC :
At the start of the Corinthian War, Sparta fights against
a coalition of four allied states; Thebes, Athens, Corinth, and
Argos; all initially backed by Persia and all riled by Sparta's
imperialistic treatment of the rest of Greece. The hold by Athens
over its own empire is fading in the face of continual warfare.
Halicarnassus (and therefore Caria) is returned to Persian control
in 395 BC.
394
- 393 BC :
Ebulides
393
- 392 BC :
Demostratus
392
- 391 BC :
Philocles
391
- 390 BC :
Nicoteles
391
BC :
With
the aid of Athens, Evagoras of Salamis leads a successful revolt
against Persia and temporarily makes himself master of the island
of Cyprus.
![Coins issued by Evagoras](Salamis_Coins01_full.jpg)
Two
sides of a coin issued by Evagoras during his Athenian-supported
rebellious reign
390
- 389 BC :
Demostratus
389
- 388 BC :
Antipatrus
388
- 387 BC :
Pyrgion
387
- 386 BC :
Theodotus
386
- 385 BC :
Mystichides
387
BC :
The Corinthian War against Sparta ends with the Peace of
Antalcidas. Athens loses Lycia to the Persians and gives up its
support of the Persian-occupied Ionian islands, but the period of
peace allows the city to rebuild its defences and begin a resurgence
of its former role as a power in Greece.
385
- 384 BC :
Dexitheus
384
- 383 BC :
Dietrephes
383
- 382 BC :
Phanostratus
382
- 381 BC :
Evandrus
381
- 380 BC :
Demophilus
380
- 379 BC :
Pytheas
379
- 378 BC :
Nicon
378
- 377 BC :
Nausinicus
377
- 376 BC :
Calleas
376
- 375 BC :
Charisandrus
375
- 374 BC :
Hippodamas
374
- 373 BC :
Socratides
373
- 372 BC :
Asteius
372
- 371 BC :
Alcisthenes
371
- 370 BC :
Phrasicleides
371
BC :
In
an effort to solve the problem of post-Peloponnesian War
conflicts, a pan-Greek conference is called. However, the arrogant
Agesilaus II of Sparta picks a fight with Thebes. His fellow Spartan
king, Cleombrotus, leads the allied Spartan-Peloponnesian army of
about 700 Spartans and 1,300 allies (some reluctant) against a Theban
army three times their number under Epaminondas at the Battle of
Leuctra. Cleombrotus' death and the utter defeat of his army leads
to the Helots being freed and Spartan dominance in Greece being
ended forever.
370
- 369 BC :
Dyscinitus
369
- 368 BC :
Lysistratus
368
- 367 BC :
Nausigenes
367
- 366 BC :
Polyzelus
366
- 365 BC :
Ciphisodorus
365
BC :
Ariobarzanus, satrap of Phrygia, and Datames, satrap of Khilakku
and Katpatuka, are in revolt against Persian King Artaxerxes II.
Autophradates, satrap of Sparda, has been ordered to suppress the
rebellion and he has already managed to expel Ariobarzanes from
the greater part of his satrapy. Now, in 365 BC, Athens sends thirty
ships and 8,000 mercenaries to aid Ariobarzanus. He rewards Athens
with the gift of Sestos and Crithote, cities on the Thracian Chersonesus.
365
- 364 BC :
Chion
364
- 360 BC :
Mithridates (sometimes shown as Mehrdad), a son of Ariobarzanus
of Phrygia, now occupies Heracleia, the most important Greek city
on the Black Sea coast. Soon all of Asia Minor (Anatolia) revolts
against Artaxerxes II of Persia.
364
- 363 BC :
Timocrates
363
- 362 BC :
Charicleides
362
- 361 BC :
Molon
362
- 360 BC :
By
now even Autophradates, satrap of Sparda, has been driven to join
the rebels against Persian King Artaxerxes II. Sparta, and also
Takhôs, pharaoh of Egypt, send substantial help to the rebels. Two
years later, in 360 BC, Ariobarzanes is betrayed by his son, Mithridates,
and is executed.
Also
in 362 BC, Athens and Sparta, together with the Eleans and the Mantinaeans,
are defeated by the Thebans at the Battle of Mantinea. The battle
is fought on 4 July, with the Thebans being supported by the Arcadians
and the Boeotian League. The Spartan defeat paves the way for Macedonian
supremacy later in the century.
361
- 360 BC :
Nicophemus
360
- 359 BC :
Callimides
359
BC :
The
pretender to the Macedonian throne, Argaeus, attempts to secure
the throne with Athenian support. The rightful king, Philip, persuades
the Athenians not to interfere. Argaeus gathers his supporters,
along with some freelance Athenians, and attempts to capture the
capital by force but is repulsed. While retreating back to his headquarters
at Methone, he is ambushed by Philip and defeated. He either dies
during the fighting or is executed afterwards.
359
- 358 BC :
Eucharistus
358
- 357 BC :
Ciphisodotus
357
- 356 BC :
Agathocles
c.356
BC :
Athens forms an alliance with Cetriporis son of Berisades of the
Thracians, Grabus of the Grabaei, and Lyppeius of the Paeonians,
with Philip II of Macedonia as their common enemy. Unfortunately,
a few months later and with the Athenians engaged in the Aegean,
Philip's general defeats all three of the northern allies.
356
- 355 BC :
Elpines
355
- 354 BC :
Callistratus
354
- 353 BC :
Diotemus
353
- 352 BC :
Thudemus
352
- 351 BC :
Aristodemus
351
- 350 BC :
Theellus
350
- 349 BC :
Apollodorus
349
- 348 BC :
Callimachus
348
- 347 BC :
Theophilus
347
- 346 BC :
Themistocles
346
- 345 BC :
Archias
345
- 344 BC :
Ebulus
344
- 343 BC :
Lyciscus
343
- 342 BC :
Pythodotus
342
- 341 BC :
Sosigenes
341
- 340 BC :
Nicomachus
340
- 339 BC :
Theophrastus
339
- 338 BC :
Lysimachides
338
BC :
Philip
II of Macedonia defeats the Greek states at the Battle of Chaeronea
and gains overlordship over all of Greece, including Athens, Corinth
and Sparta. Athens and other city states join the Corinthian League
(or Hellenic League) which is formed by Phillip to unify the military
forces at his command so that he can pressure Persia.
![Phillip II of Macedonia](Macedonia_PhilipII_01_full.jpg)
With
his conquest of Greece, Phillip II laid down the foundations for
the Hellenic empire
338
- 337 BC :
Xaerondas
337
- 336 BC :
Phrynichus
336
- 335 BC :
Pythodilus
335
- 334 BC :
Evaenetus
334
- 333 BC :
Ctisicles
333
- 332 BC :
Nicocrates
332
- 331 BC :
Nicites
331
- 330 BC :
Aristophanes
330
- 329 BC :
Aristophon
329
- 328 BC :
Ciphisophon
328
- 327 BC :
Euthicritus
327
- 326 BC :
Hegemon
326
- 325 BC :
Chremes
c.325
BC :
Pytheas
of Massalia, a Greek geographer and explorer undertakes a voyage
of exploration around north-west Europe. During his trip he visits
Britain, which he names the Prettanic isles (spellings vary thanks
to the translation from the original Greek) - and possibly Ireland
where he or later Greek arrivals are written into the legend of
the Fomóraigh kings.
He certainly travels extensively, making notes of what he sees,
and also provides what may be the earliest written report of Stonehenge.
He names the promontory of Kantion (land of the Cantii), the promontory
of Belerion (land of the Cornovii), and Orkas (the Orkneys).
![Ptolemy's map of Britain](Rome_PtolemyMap01_full.jpg)
The
details recorded by Pytheas were interpreted by Ptolemy in the second
century AD, and this 1490 Italian reconstruction of the section
covering the British Isles and northern Gaul shows Ptolemy's characteristically
lopsided Scotland at the top
325
- 324 BC
Andicles
324
- 323 BC
Hegesias
323
- 322 BC
Ciphisodorus
323
- 322 BC :
Upon
the death of Alexander his two successors are retained as figureheads
while the empire is governed by Alexander's powerful generals. Perdiccas,
the leading cavalry commander, is the first general to rule, carrying
the title 'Regent of Macedonia', first with Meleager, head of the
infantry officers, as his lieutenant, but alone after he has him
murdered. The Corinthian League is subsequently dissolved (in 322
BC).
Immediately,
a coalition of Greek cities springs up with the intention of detaching
Greece from the Macedonians, including Athens and the Aetolian League.
Despite two impressive victories in battle on land, the allies are
undone when the Athenian navy fails to secure control of the seas.
The Macedonians are able to bring in reinforcements and the war
ends in victory for the Macedonians and their Boeotian allies. The
Macedonian General Leonnatus, satrap of Phrygia, has been killed
in the process of gaining it, however.
322
- 321 BC :
Philocles
321
- 320 BC :
Archippus
320
- 319 BC :
Neaechmus
319
- 318 BC :
Apollodorus
318
- 317 BC :
Archippus
317
- 316 BC :
Demogenes
317
BC :
Demetrius
Phalereus is installed as governor by Cassander of Macedonia. The
democratic system enjoyed by Athens is subsumed during this period.
317
- 307 BC :
Demetrius
Phalereus : Macedonian governor.
316
- 315 BC :
Democleides
315
- 314 BC :
Praxibulus
314
- 313 BC :
Nicodorus
313
- 312 BC :
Theophrastus
312
- 311 BC :
Polemon
311
- 310 BC :
Simonides
310
- 309 BC :
Hieromnemon
309
BC :
The Fourth War of the Diadochi breaks out, with Ptolemy of
Hellenic Egypt initially claiming Corinth among his territories.
309
- 308 BC :
Demetrius
308
- 307 BC :
Charinus
307
- 306 BC :
Anaxicrates
307
- 306 BC :
At
the start of his reign as an Antigonid king, Demetrius I frees Athens
from the rule of Cassander of Macedonia and Ptolemy of the Lysimachian
empire. Demetrius Phalereus is expelled and the city's democratic
system is restored.
306
- 305 BC :
Coroebus
305
- 304 BC :
Euxenippus
304
- 303 BC :
Pherecles
303
BC :
During
the Fourth War of the Diadochi, Corinth switches hands, with
Cassander of Macedonia securing Greece for himself.
303
- 302 BC :
Leostratus
302
- 301 BC :
Nicocles
267
- 261 BC :
The
Chremonidean War is fought between a coalition of Greek city
states led by Athens and Sparta for the restoration of their independence
from Macedonian influence, aided by the Ptolemaic Egyptians who
are naturally threatened not only by Macedonia's apparently peaceful
rule of Greece, but by its friendship with the Seleucid empire.
![Antigonus II Gonatas Coin](Macedonia_AntigonusII_01_full.jpg)
A
coin showing the face of the Macedonian king, Antigonus II Gonatas
266
- 265 BC :
Hagnias?
265
- 264 BC :
Philocrates
264
- 263 BC :
Diognetus
263
- 262 BC :
Antipatrus
262
- 261 BC :
Arrheneides
261
- 260 BC :
Cleomachus
261
BC :
The
Chremonidean War comes to an end when Athens is captured
by Antigonus II of Macedonia and Sparta also agrees peace terms.
Peace and prosperity are restored throughout Greece.
260
- 259 BC :
Polystratus?
259
- 258 BC :
?
: Name unknown.
258
- 257 BC :
Antiphon?
257
- 256 BC :
Thymochares?
256
- 255 BC :
Alcibiades?
255
- 254 BC :
Euboulus
254
- 253 BC :
Philostratus?
253
- 252 BC :
Lysitheides?
252
- 251 BC :
Lyceas?
251
- 250 BC :
Callimedes
250
- 249 BC :
Antimachus
249
- 248 BC :
Thersilochus
248
- 247 BC :
Polyeuctus
247
- 246 BC :
Hieron
246
- 245 BC :
Diomedon
245
- 244 BC :
Theophemus
244
- 243 BC :
Philoneus
243
- 242 BC :
Cydenor
242
- 241 BC :
Eurycleides
241
- 240 BC :
Lysiades
240
- 239 BC :
Athenodorus
239
- 238 BC :
Lysias
238
- 237 BC :
Pheidostratus
237
- 236 BC :
Cimon
236
- 235 BC :
Ecphantus
235
- 234 BC :
Lysanias
234
- 233 BC :
Phanostratus?
233
- 232 BC :
?
: Name unknown.
232
- 231 BC :
Jason
231
- 230 BC :
?
: Name unknown.
230
- 229 BC :
Phanomachus?
229
- 228 BC :
Heliodorus
228
- 227 BC :
Leochares
227
- 226 BC :
Theophilus
226
- 225 BC :
Ergochares
225
- 224 BC :
Nicetes
224
- 223 BC :
Antiphilus
223
- 222 BC :
?
: Name unknown.
222
- 221 BC :
Archelaus
221
- 220 BC :
Thrasyphon
220
- 219 BC :
Menecrates
219
- 218 BC :
Chaerephon
218
- 217 BC :
Callimachus?
217
- 216 BC :
?
: Name unknown.
216
- 215 BC :
Hagnias
215
- 205 BC :
During
the Second Punic War, Philip V of Macenonia allies himself
to Carthage. To avoid a possible reinforcement of Hannibal by Macedonia,
Rome dispatches a force to tie down the Macedonians in the First
Macedonian War.
215
- 214 BC :
Diocles
214
- 213 BC :
Euphiletus
213
- 212 BC :
Heracleitus
212
- 211 BC :
Philinus?
211
- 210 BC :
Aeschron
210
- 209 BC :
?
: Name unknown.
209
- 208 BC :
Callaeschrus
208
- 207 BC :
Ancylus?
207
- 206 BC :
Pantiades?
206
- 205 BC :
Callistratus?
205
BC :
The
First Macedonian War ends indecisively with the Treaty of
Phoenicia. Even though it is only a minor conflict, it opens the
way for later Roman military intervention in Greece.
![Philip V of Macedonia](Macedonia_PhilipV_01_full.jpg)
This
silver tetradrachm bears the head of Philip V of Macedonia
205
- 204 BC :
Euandrus?
204
- 203 BC :
Apollodorus
203
- 202 BC :
Proxenides
202
- 201 BC :
Euthycritus?
201
- 200 BC :
Nicophon?
200
- 196 BC :
The
Second Macedonian War is triggered by apparently falsified
claims by Pergamon and Rhodes of a secret treaty between Macedonia
and the Seleucid empire. Rome launches an attack on Macedonia.
200
- 199 BC :
Dionysius?
199
- 198 BC :
Philon?
198
- 197 BC :
Diodotus
197
BC :
After
a spell of indecisive conflict, Philip V of Macedonia is defeated
at the Battle of Cynoscephalae, while his general, Androsthenes,
is defeated near Corinth. The Macedonian army is drastically reduced
in size as a result of the defeat, and Philip's standing as an important
Greek king is greatly diminished. Corinth becomes the capital of
the Achaean League of Greek states.
197
- 196 BC :
Sositeles
196
- 195 BC :
Charicles
195
- 193 BC :
?
: Two archons, names unknown.
193
- 192 BC :
Phanarchides
192
- 191 BC :
Diodotus
191
- 190 BC :
?
: Name unknown.
190
- 189 BC :
Hippias?
189
- 188 BC :
Isocrates?
188
- 187 BC :
Symmachus
187
- 186 BC :
Theoxenus
186
- 185 BC :
Zopyrus
185
- 184 BC :
Eupolemus
184
- 183 BC :
Sosigenes?
183
- 182 BC :
Hermogenes
182
- 181 BC :
Timesianax
181
- 180 BC :
Telesarchides
180
- 179 BC :
Dionysius?
179
- 178 BC :
Menedemus
178
- 177 BC :
Philon
177
- 176 BC :
Speusippus
176
- 175 BC :
Hippacus
175
- 174 BC :
Sonicus
174
- 173 BC :
?
: Name unknown.
173
- 172 BC :
Alexandrus?
172
- 171 BC :
Sosigenes
171
- 170 BC :
Antigenes
170
- 169 BC :
?
: Name unknown.
169
- 168 BC :
Eunicus
168
- 167 BC :
Xenocles
167
- 166 BC :
Nicosthenes?
166
- 165 BC :
Achaeus
165
- 164 BC :
Pelops
164
- 163 BC :
Charias?
163
- 162 BC :
Erastus
162
- 161 BC :
Poseidonius
161
- 160 BC :
Aristolas
160
- 159 BC :
Tychandrus
159
- 158 BC :
Diocles?
158
- 157 BC :
Aristaechmus
157
- 156 BC :
Anthesterius
156
- 155 BC :
Callistratus
155
- 154 BC :
Mnestheus
154
- 153 BC :
Epaenetus?
153
- 152 BC :
Aristophantus?
152
- 151 BC :
Phaedrias?
151
- 150 BC :
Andreas?
150
- 148 BC :
Andriscus
of Corinth leads a popular uprising against Rome in the Fourth
Macedonian War.
150
- 149 BC :
Zeleucus?
149
- 148 BC :
Micion?
148
- 147 BC :
Lysiades?
148
BC :
The
Achaean League of Greek states is destroyed by Rome, and Greece
and Macedonia are annexed to the republic, being incorporating into
newly-created Roman provinces.
Elected
Archons of Athens (Roman Period) :
148 BC - AD 275
The popular uprising of Andriscus of Corinth which created the Fourth
Macedonian War was put down by Rome. The Latin republic subsequently
established a permanent residence in Greece. Understandably unhappy
with this turn of events, the Achaean League of Greek states rose
up against the Roman presence and was swiftly destroyed for its
pains. Rome also destroyed Corinth as an object lesson and annexed
Macedonia, incorporating it into the Roman province of Macedonia.
Although comparatively little is known about many of the archons,
this position and the other two, polemarch (heading the city's defensive
forces), and archon basileus (handling the religious duties, including
ceremonial functions that formerly belonged to the king) remained
in place.
147
- 146 BC :
Archon
: A personal name or simply the title itself?
146
BC :
Following
the conquest of the Achaean League of Greek states by Rome, Athens
now falls fully under Latin control, although the post of archon
continues to hold a certain level of authority.
![Roman Agora](Athens_RomanAgora01_full.jpg)
Roman
building work in the Agora area of Athens
146
- 145 BC :
Epicrates
145
- 144 BC :
Metrophanes
144
- 143 BC :
Hermias?
143
- 142 BC :
Theaetetus
142
- 141 BC :
Aristophon
141
- 140 BC :
Pleistaenus?
140
- 139 BC :
Hagnotheus
139
- 138 BC :
Apollodorus
138
- 137 BC :
Timarchus
137
- 136 BC :
Heracleitus
136
- 135 BC :
Timarchides
135
- 134 BC :
Dionysius
134
- 133 BC :
Nicomachus
133
- 132 BC :
Xenon
132
- 131 BC :
Ergocles
131
- 130 BC :
Epicles
130
- 129 BC :
Demostratus
129
- 128 BC :
Lyciscus
128
- 127 BC :
Dionysius
127
- 126 BC :
Theodorides
126
- 125 BC :
Diotimus
125
- 124 BC :
Jason
124
- 123 BC :
Nicias
: Died in office.
123
- 122 BC :
Demetrius
122
- 121 BC :
Nicodemus
121
- 120 BC :
Phocion?
120
- 119 BC :
Eumachus
119
- 118 BC :
Hipparchus
118
- 117 BC :
Lenaeus
117
- 116 BC :
Menoites
116
- 115 BC :
Sarapion
115
- 114 BC :
Nausias
114
- 113 BC :
Pleistaenus
113
- 112 BC :
Paramonus
112
- 111 BC :
Dionysius
111
- 110 BC :
Sosicrates
110
- 109 BC :
Polycleitus
109
- 108 BC :
Jason
: Returned to office.
108
- 107 BC :
Demochares
107
- 106 BC :
Aristarchus
106
- 105 BC :
Agathocles
105
- 104 BC :
Heracleides
104
- 103 BC :
Diocles?
103
- 102 BC :
Theocles
102
- 101 BC :
Echecrates
101
- 100 BC :
Medeius
100
- 99 BC :
Theodosius
99
- 98 BC :
Procles
98
- 96 BC :
Argeius
: Archon for two successive terms.
96
- 95 BC :
Heracleitus
95
- 94 BC :
Diocles?
: Returned to office.
94
- 93 BC :
Isocrates?
93
- 92 BC :
Callias
92
- 91 BC :
Menedemos?
91
- 88 BC :
Medeius
: Returned to office. Archon for three successive terms.
88
- 87 BC :
During
the civil war in Italy, Athens revolts against Roman rule and no
archon is elected during the period in which Lucius Cornelius Sulla
crushes the Greeks. Subsequent Roman civil wars damage Greece even
further in this century.
87
- 86 BC :
Philanthes
86
BC :
Athens
is annexed by the Roman republic. Sulla levels most of the city's
buildings and fortifications, fortunately excluding many civic buildings
and monuments.
86
- 85 BC :
Hierophantes
85
- 84 BC :
Pythocritus
84
- 83 BC :
Aeschraeus?
83
BC :
Towards
the end of the Roman civil war, Athens is captured again by the
troops of General Lucius Cornelius Sulla.
![Lucius Cornelius Sulla](Rome_Sulla01_full.jpg)
Lucius
Cornelius Sulla, dictator of the Roman republic
83
- 82 BC :
Seleucus?
82
- 81 BC :
Herecleodorus?
81
- 80 BC :
Apollodorus?
80
- 78 BC :
?
: Two archons, names unknown.
78
- 77 BC :
Zenion?
77
- 75 BC :
?
: Two archons, names unknown.
75
- 74 BC :
Aeschines
74
- 73 BC :
?
: Name unknown.
73
- 72 BC :
Nicetes?
72
- 71 BC :
?
: Name unknown.
71
- 70 BC :
Aristoxenus?
70
- 69 BC :
Criton?
69
- 67 BC :
?
: Two archons, names unknown.
67
- 66 BC :
Theoxenus?
66
- 65 BC :
Medeius?
65
- 62 BC :
?
: Three archons, names unknown.
62
- 61 BC :
Aristeius
61
- 60 BC :
Theophemus
60
- 59 BC :
Herodes
59
- 58 BC :
Leucius
58
- 57 BC :
Calliphon
57
- 56 BC :
Diocles
56
- 55 BC :
Cointus
55
- 54 BC :
Aristoxenus
or Aristodemus
54
- 53 BC :
Zenon
53
- 52 BC :
Diodorus
52
- 51 BC :
Lysandrus
51
- 50 BC :
Lysiades
50
- 49 BC :
Demetrius
49
- 48 BC :
Demochares
48
- 47 BC :
Philocrates
47
- 46 BC :
Diocles
46
- 45 BC :
Apolexis
45
- 44 BC :
Polycharmus
44
- 43/43-42 BC :
Diocles
Azenieus : Archon in one of these periods. The other archon
is unknown.
42
- 41 BC :
Euthydomus
41
- 40 BC :
Nicandrus
40
- 39 BC :
Philostratus
39
- 38 BC :
Diocles
Meliteus
38
- 37 BC :
Menandrus
37
- 36 BC :
Theopeithes
36
- 35 BC :
Asclepiodorus
35
- 34 BC :
?
: Name unknown.
34
- 33 BC :
Pammenes?
33
- 32 BC :
Cleidamus?
32
- 31 BC :
Epicrates?
31
- 30 BC :
Polycleitus
Phlyeus?
30
- 29 BC :
Architemus?
29
- 26 BC :
?
: Three archons, names unknown.
27
BC :
Caesar
Augustus organises southern Greece as the province of Achaea, which
includes Athens. His accession ends the period of instability and
civil war within the Roman territories, finally bringing peace and
prosperity to Greece.
26
- 25 BC :
Dioteimus
Alaieus
25
- 21 BC :
?
: Four archons, names unknown.
21
- 20 BC :
Demeas
Azenieus
20
- 19 BC :
Apolexis
19
- 16 BC :
?
: Three archons, names unknown.
16
- 15 BC :
Pythagoras
15
- 14 BC :
Antiochus
14
- 13 BC :
Polyainus
13
- 12 BC :
Zenon
12
- 11 BC :
Leonides
11
- 10 BC :
Theophilus
10
- 9 BC :
?
: Name unknown.
9
- 8 BC :
Nicias
Athmoneus?
8
- 7 BC :
Demochares
Azanieus?
7
- 6 BC :
?
: Name unknown.
6
- 5 BC :
Xenon
Phlyeus ?
5
- 4 BC :
Apolexis
Philocratous ex Oiou?
4
- 3 BC :
Aristodemus?
3
- 2 BC :
Nicostratus?
2
- 1 BC :
Demochares
Azenius?
1
BC - AD 1 :
Anaxagoras?
AD
1 - 2 :
Areius
Paianieus?
2
- 3 :
Cedeides?
3
- 4 :
Menneas?
4
- 5 :
Polyainus
Marathonius?
5
- 6 :
Polycharmus
Azenius?
6
- 7 :
Theophilus?
7
- 24 :
?
: Seventeen archons, names unknown.
24
- 25 :
Charmides
25
- 26 :
Callicratides
26
- 27 :
Pamphilus
27
- 28 :
Themistocles
Marathonius
28
- 29 :
Oinophilus
29
- 30 :
Boethus
30
- 36 :
?
: Six archons, names unknown.
36
- 37 :
Rhoemetalcas
the Younger
37
- 38 :
Polycritus
38
- 39 :
Zenon
39
- 40 :
Secoundus
40
- 45 :
?
: Five archons, names unknown.
45
- 46 :
Antipatrus
the Younger Phlyeus
46
- 49 :
?
: Three archons, names unknown.
49
- 50 :
Deinophilus
50
- 53 :
?
: Four archons, names unknown.
c.53
:
Hierotheos
the Thesmothete (a junior archon) is reputedly the first head of
the Christians of Athens. Instructed by the Apostle Paul, he is
baptised and ordained by him about this year. The Roman Church has
yet to be established, making this appointment an important one
in the spread of the new religion.
Hierotheos
the Thesmothete may have been the very first head of the early Christian
population of Athens
53
- 54 :
Dionysodorus
54
- 55 :
?
: Name unknown.
55
- 56 :
Conon
56
- 61 :
?
: Five archons, names unknown.
61
- 62 :
Thrasyllus
62
- 64 :
?
: Two archons, names unknown.
64
- 65 :
Gaius
Carreinas Secundus
65
- 66 :
Demostratus
66
- 91 :
?
: Twenty-five archons, names unknown.
91
- 92 :
Titus
Flavius Domitianus : Roman Emperor (81-96).
92
- 93 :
Trevilius
Rufus
93
- 94 :
?
: Name unknown.
94
- 95 :
Octavius
Theion
95
- 96 :
Octavius
Proclus
96
- 97 :
Aeolion
97
- 98 :
?
: Name unknown.
98
- 99 :
Coponius
Maximus Agnoösius
99
- 100 :
Lucius
Vibullius Hipparchus
100
- 101 :
Flavius
Stratolaus Phylesius
101
- 102 :
Claudius
Demophilus
102
- 103 :
Flavius
Sophocles Sounieus
103
- 104 :
Flavius
Pintenus Gargottius
104
- 105 :
Flavius
Conon Sounieus
105
- 107 :
?
: Two archons, names unknown.
107
- 108 :
Flavius
Alcibiades Paeanieus
108
- 109 :
Julius
Antiochus Philopappus : Died in office.
108
- 109 :
Laelianus
: Completed term of office for Julius Antiochus.
109
- 110 :
Cassius
Diogenes
110
- 111 :
Flavius
Euphanes
111
- 112 :
Gaius
Julius Cassius Steirieus
112
- 113 :
Publius
Aelius Traianus Hadrianus : Roman Emperor (117-138).
113
- 114 :
Deëdius
Secundus Sphettius
114
- 115 :
?
: Name unknown.
115
- 116 : Publius Fulvius Mitrodorus Sounieus
116
- 117 :
Flavius
Macreanus Acharneus
117
- 118 :
?
: Name unknown.
118
- 119 :
Maximus
Agnoösius
119
- 126 :
?
: Seven archons, names unknown.
126
- 127 :
Claudius
Herodes Marathonius
127
- 128 :
Gaius
Memmius Peissandrus Colytteus
128
- 131 :
?
: Three archons, names unknown.
131
- 132 :
Claudius
Philogenus Visseieus
132
- 133 :
Claudius
Domitianus Visseieus
133
- 134 :
?
: Name unknown.
134
- 135 :
Antisthenes
135
- 138 :
?
: Three archons, names unknown.
136
:
After
perhaps being a philosopher, Hyginus of Athens becomes Pope.
138
- 139 :
Praxagoras
Thoricius
139
- 140 :
Flavius
Alcibiades Paianieus
140
- 141 :
Claudius
Attalus Sphettius
141
- 142 :
Publius
Aelius Phileas Meliteus
142
- 143 :
Aelius
Alexandrus Phalereus
143
- 144 :
Publius
Aelius Vibullius Rufus
144
- 145 :
Syllas
145
- 146 :
Flavius
Arrianus Paianieus
146
- 147 :
Titus
Flavius Alcibiades Paeanieus
147
- 148 :
Soteles
Philippus Estiaeothen
148
- 149 :
Lucius
Nummius Ieroceryx Phalereus
149
- 150 :
Quintus
Alleius Epictetus
150
- 151 :
Aelius
Ardys
151
- 152 :
Aelius
Callicrates
152
- 153 :
Lucius
Nummius Menis Phalereus
153
- 154 :
Aelius
Alexandrus III
154
- 155 :
Praxagoras
Meliteus
155
- 156 :
Popillius
Theotimus Sounieus
156
- 157 :
Aelius
Gelus II
157
- 158 :
Lycomedes
158
- 159 :
Titus
Aurelius Philemon Philades
159
- 160 :
Tiberius
Claudius Lysiades Meliteus
160
- 161 :
P
Aelius Themison Pammenes Azenieus
161
- 162 :
Lucius
Memmius Thoricius
162
- 163 :
Pompeius
Alexandrus Acharneus
163
- 164 :
Philisteides
Peiraieus
164
- 165 :
Pompeius
Daidouchus
165
- 166 :
Sextus
Phalereus
166
- 167 :
Marcus
Valerius Mamertinus Marathonius
167
- 168 :
Anarchy
grips the region, probably due to the first invasion of Germanic
peoples across the Danube under the leadership of the Marcomanni.
They penetrate into Italy and force Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius
to spend the rest of his life campaigning in the Danube region to
contain the problem.
![Roman defensive tower](Limes_Tower_LowerRhine01_full.jpg)
Emperors
Hadrian and Antoninus Pius had concentrated on defining the Roman
empire's borders, defending the territory they had. That would have
included building watch towers along the limes in the Danube
region which the Marcomanni managed to break through
168
- 169 :
Tineius
Ponticus Besaieus
169
- 170 :
The
repercussions of instability in the region rumble on, with no archon
being elected for this period.
170
- 171 :
Tiberius
Memmius Phlaccus Marathonius
171
- 172 :
Again,
no archon is elected for this period, although the anarchy is finally
brought to an end.
172
- 173 :
Biesius
Peison Meliteus
173
- 174 :
Sallustianus
Aeolion Phlyeus
174
- 175 :
Aurelius
Dionysius
175
- 176 :
Claudius
Heracleides Meliteus
176
- 177 :
Aristocleides
Peiraieus
177
- 178 :
Scribonius
Capiton?
178
- 179 :
Flavius
Stratolaus Phylasius
179
- 180 :
Athenodorus
Agrippas Iteaius
180
- 181 :
Claudius
Demostratus Meliteus
181
- 182 :
Daedouchus
182
- 183 :
Marcus
Munatius Maximianus Ouopiscus
183
- 184 :
Domitius
Aristaius Paionides
184
- 185 :
Titus
Flavius Sosigenes Palleneus
185
- 186 :
Philoteimus
Arcesidemou Eleousius
186
- 187 :
Gaius
Fabius Thisbianus Marathonius
187
- 188 :
T
Claudius Bradouas Atticus Marathonius
188
- 189 :
L
Aelius Aurelius Commodus Antoninus : Roman Emperor (180-192).
189
- 190 :
Menogenes
190
- 191 :
Gaius
Peinarius Proclus Agnousius
191
- 192 :
?
: Name unknown.
192
- 193 :
Gaius
Helvidius Secundus Palleneus
193
- 199 :
?
: Six archons, names unknown.
199
- 200 :
Gaius
Quintus Imerus Marathonius
200
- 203 :
?
: Three archons, names unknown.
203
- 204 :
Gaius
Cassianus Steirieus
204
- 209 :
?
: Five archons, names unknown.
209
- 210 :
Flavius
Diogenes Marathonius
210
- 212 :
?
: Two archons, names unknown.
212
- 213 :
Aurelius
Dionysius Acharneus
213
- 220 :
?
: Seven archons, names unknown.
220
- 221 :
Titus
Flavius? Philinus
221
- 222 :
Aurelius
Melpomenus Antinoeus
222
- 230 :
?
: Eight archons, names unknown.
230
- 231 :
Cassianus
Hieroceryx Steirieus
231
- 233 :
?
: Two archons, names unknown.
233
- 234 :
Vib.
Lysandrus
234
- 235 :
Epictetus
Acharneus
235
- 240 :
?
: Five archons, names unknown.
240
- 241 :
Cassianus
Philippus Steirieus
241
- 254 :
?
: Thirteen archons, names unknown.
254
- 255 :
Lucius
Flavius Philustratus Steirieus
255
- 262 :
?
: Seven archons, names unknown.
262
- 263 :
Publius
Herennius Dexippus? : May also have served as Archon Basileus.
263
- 264 :
?
: Name unknown.
264
- 265 :
Publius
Licinius Egnatius Gallienus : Roman Emperor (253-260).
265
- 274 :
?
: Nine archons, names unknown.
267
- 268 :
A
general barbarian invasion takes place across the Roman frontier.
The barbarian coalition includes Goths, Heruli, and Peucini Bastarnae,
all of which form a force that sails along the Black Sea coast to
Tomis in Moesia Inferior. They attack the town but are unable to
take it. Sailing on, they are frustrated twice more, at Marcianopolis
(Devnya in modern Bulgaria) and Thessalonica in Macedonia. Athens
is sacked by the Heruli, with all its public buildings being burned
down. The lower city is plundered and the Acropolis is damaged.
The city is subsequently re-fortified to the north of the Acropolis,
leaving some ancient areas including the Agora now outside the city
walls.
![Heruli](Heruli_People01_full.jpg)
Heruli
warriors confronted by late Roman troops
274
- 275 :
Titus
Flavius Mondon Phlyeus
275
:
After
Titus Flavius Mondon Phlyeus no further archons are known, suggesting
that the office is abolished. The possible reasons are unknown.
There is no distinguishing event within the Roman empire, such as
the accession of a new, powerful augustus, to tie in with this date.
Athens is partially sidelined in Greece by the refounding of Byzantium
as Constantinople, and the Eastern Roman empire rules the region
until the fifteenth century, followed by the Turkic Ottoman empire.
An independent modern Greek state is established by 1830, and Athens
forms its capital city.
Source
:
https://www.historyfiles.co.uk/
KingListsEurope/GreeceAthens.htm
#Elected%20Archons%20Classical