Ambracia: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|Ancient city in Greece}} |
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{{about|the ancient city|the lake|Lake Amvrakia}} |
{{about|the ancient city|the lake|Lake Amvrakia}} |
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{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2023}} |
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| ⚫ | '''Ambracia''' ({{IPAc-en|æ|m|ˈ|b|r|eɪ|ʃ |
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{{Infobox ancient site |
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[[File:Map of ancient Epirus and environs.png|right|thumb|200px|Ambracia in antiquity]] |
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| name = Ambracia |
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| native_name = Ἀμβρακία |
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| alternate_name = Arta |
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| image = Small theatre of Ambracia 1.jpg |
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| caption = Small theater at Ambracia |
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| map = {{Location map|Balkans}} |
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| location = |
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| region = Epirus |
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| type = City |
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| abandoned = |
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| epochs = Greek, Roman, Byzantine |
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| ⚫ | '''Ambracia''' ({{IPAc-en|æ|m|ˈ|b|r|eɪ|ʃ|ə}}; {{langx|grc|Ἀμβρακία}}, occasionally {{lang|grc|Ἀμπρακία}}, ''Ampracia'') was a city of [[ancient Greece]] on the site of modern [[Arta, Greece|Arta]]. It was founded by the [[Ancient Corinth|Corinthians]] in 625 BC and was situated about {{convert|11|km|abbr=on|0}} from the [[Ambracian Gulf]], on a bend of the navigable river [[Arachthos River|Arachthos]] (or Aratthus), in the midst of a fertile wooded plain.<ref name="OCD">{{Citation | last = Hammond | first = Nicholas Geoffrey Lemprière | author-link=N. G. L. Hammond | contribution = Ambracia | year = 1996 | title = [[Oxford Classical Dictionary]] | editor1-last = Hornblower | editor1-first = Simon | editor1-link =Simon Hornblower | editor2-last = Spawforth | editor2-first = Anthony | editor2-link =Anthony Spawforth | edition = 3rd | place = Oxford | publisher = [[Oxford University Press]] | isbn = 0-19-521693-8}}</ref> |
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==Name== |
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It was named after [[Ambracia (mythology)|Ambracia]], who according to some myths was Augeas daughter, while others describe her as [[Apollo]]'s granddaughter and the daughter of [[Melaneus of Oechalia|Melaneus]], king of the [[Dryope]].<ref name="A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology, Ambracia">[https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.04.0104%3Aalphabetic+letter%3DA%3Aentry+group%3D18%3Aentry%3Dambracia-bio-1 A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology, Ambracia]</ref> |
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According to a different story, the town was named after Ambrax, Thesprotus son and Lycaon's grandson.<ref name="A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology, Ambracia"/> |
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==History== |
==History== |
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Ambracia was founded between 650 and 625 BC by Gorgus, son of the Corinthian tyrant [[Cypselus]], at which time its economy was based on farmlands, fishing, timber for shipbuilding, and the exportation of the produce of Epirus.<ref name="OCD"/> After the expulsion of Gorgus's son Periander its government developed into a strong democracy. The early policy of Ambracia was determined by its loyalty to Corinth (for which it probably served as an entrepot in the [[Epirus]] trade), and its consequent aversion to [[Corcyra]] (as Ambracia participated on the Corinthian side at the [[Battle of Sybota]], which took place in 433 BC between the rebellious Corinthian colony of Corcyra (modern Corfu) and [[Ancient Corinth|Corinth]]).{{sfn|Caspari|1911}} |
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Ambraciot politics featured many frontier disputes with the [[Amphilochians]] and [[Acarnanians]]. Hence it took a prominent part in the [[Peloponnesian War]] until the crushing defeat at [[Idomene]] (426), which crippled its resources.{{sfn|Caspari|1911}} |
Ambraciot politics featured many frontier disputes with the [[Amphilochians]] and [[Acarnanians]]. Hence it took a prominent part in the [[Peloponnesian War]] until the crushing defeat at [[Battle of Idomene|Idomene]] (426), which crippled its resources.{{sfn|Caspari|1911}} |
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In the 4th century BC it continued its traditional policy |
In the 4th century BC, it continued its traditional policy but in 338 was besieged by [[Philip II of Macedon]]. With the assistance of Corinth and Athens, it escaped complete domination at Philip's hands but was nevertheless forced to accept a Macedonian garrison.<ref name="OCD"/> In 294 BC, after forty-three years of semi-autonomy under [[Macedon]]ian suzerainty, Ambracia was given by the son of [[Cassander]] to [[Pyrrhus of Epirus|Pyrrhus]], king of [[Epirus (ancient state)|Epirus]], who made it his capital and adorned it with palaces, temples, and theatres. In the wars of [[Philip V of Macedon]] and the Epirotes against the [[Aetolian League]] (220–205), Ambracia passed from one alliance to the other but ultimately joined the latter confederacy. During the struggle of the Aetolians against [[Roman Republic|Rome]], it withstood a stubborn [[siege]],{{sfn|Caspari|1911}} including the first known use of [[poison gas]] against the Romans' [[Tunnel warfare|siege tunnels]].<ref>[[Polybius]] 21.28</ref> There was an ancient book, titled ''Ambrakika'' (Ἀμβρακικά), by the writer [[Athanadas]], that detailed the history of Ambracia. No copies of the work survive, but it was referred to by later writers such as [[Antoninus Liberalis]] as an authority on the subject. |
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Ambracia was captured and plundered by [[Marcus Fulvius Nobilior (consul 189 BC)|Marcus Fulvius Nobilior]] in 189 BC, after which it was declared by Rome a "free city" |
Ambracia was captured and plundered by [[Marcus Fulvius Nobilior (consul 189 BC)|Marcus Fulvius Nobilior]] in 189 BC, after which it was declared by Rome a "free city" and gradually fell into insignificance.<ref name="OCD"/>{{sfn|Caspari|1911}} The foundation by [[Augustus Caesar|Augustus]] of [[Nicopolis]], into which the remaining inhabitants were drafted, left the site desolate. In [[Byzantine Empire|Byzantine]] times a new settlement took its place under the name of [[Arta, Greece|Arta]]. Some fragmentary walls of large, well-dressed blocks near this latter town indicate the early prosperity of Ambracia.{{sfn|Caspari|1911}} |
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==Ambraciotes== |
==Ambraciotes== |
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*Nicocles, [[auletes]] |
*Nicocles, [[auletes]] |
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*Hippasus, tragic actor |
*Hippasus, tragic actor |
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*[[Epicrates of Ambracia]], c. 4th BC comic poet |
*[[Epicrates of Ambracia]], c. 4th BC comic poet<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=HrPd7zRmDu0C&pg=PA204&dq=Epicrates+comic+poet biographical sketch online].</ref> |
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===Athletes=== |
===Athletes=== |
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*Sophron, [[Stadion]] [[Ancient Olympic Games|Olympics]] 432 BC<ref> |
*Sophron, [[Stadion (running race)|Stadion]] [[Ancient Olympic Games|Olympics]] 432 BC<ref>{{cite web | title=The Bibliographical Miscellany | website=Google |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sm5IoZHdA08C&dq=Sophron+of+Ambracia&pg=PT36 | last1=Clarke | first1=Adam | year=1806 }}</ref> |
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*Tlasimachus, [[Chariot racing|Tethrippon]] and [[Synoris]] Olympics 296 BC<ref> |
*Tlasimachus, [[Chariot racing|Tethrippon]] and [[Synoris]] Olympics 296 BC<ref>{{cite web | title=Tlasimachus | website=Google Search | url=https://www.google.com/search?q=Tlasimachus | access-date=25 June 2023 }}</ref> |
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*Andromachus, Stadion Olympics 60 BC<ref> |
*Andromachus, Stadion Olympics 60 BC<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=++180th+%5B60+B.C.%5D+-+Andromachus+of+Ambracia+|title=180th [60 B.C.] - Andromachus of Ambracia - Google Search|website=www.google.com|accessdate=25 June 2023}}</ref> |
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===Various=== |
===Various=== |
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*[[Silanus of Ambracia]], 5th BC seer |
*[[Silanus of Ambracia]], 5th BC seer |
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*Cleombrotus of Ambracia, student of [[Plato]]<ref>{{Cite book |last=Screech |first=M. A. |url=http://archive.org/details/montaignemelanch00scre |title=Montaigne & melancholy |date=2000 |publisher=Rowman & Littlefield |others=Internet Archive |isbn=978-0-7425-0863-7}}</ref> |
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*Cleombrotus of Ambracia, student of [[Plato]][http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=Cleombrotus+of+Ambracia+Agathias+Callimachus+Plato&btnG=Search] |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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*[[List of cities in ancient Epirus]] |
*[[List of cities in ancient Epirus]] |
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*[[List of ancient Greek cities]] |
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== References == |
== References == |
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{{reflist}} |
{{reflist}} |
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'''Attribution:''' |
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*{{EB1911|first=Max Otto Bismarck |last=Caspari|wstitle=Ambracia}} |
*{{EB1911|first=Max Otto Bismarck |last=Caspari|wstitle=Ambracia|volume=1|pages=797-798}} |
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[[Category:Cities in ancient Epirus]] |
[[Category:Cities in ancient Epirus]] |
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[[Category:Populated places established in the 7th century BC]] |
[[Category:Populated places established in the 7th century BC]] |
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[[Category:Corinthian colonies]] |
[[Category:Corinthian colonies]] |
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[[Category:Former populated places in Greece]] |
[[Category:Former populated places in Greece]] |
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[[Category:Acarnania]] |
[[Category:Populated places in ancient Acarnania]] |
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[[Category:Populated places in ancient Epirus]] |
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[[Category:Pyrrhus of Epirus]] |
[[Category:Pyrrhus of Epirus]] |
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[[Category:Archaeological sites in Epirus (region)]] |
[[Category:Archaeological sites in Epirus (region)]] |
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Latest revision as of 15:52, 28 November 2024
Ἀμβρακία | |
 Small theater at Ambracia | |
  Ambracia (Balkans) | |
| Alternative name | Arta |
|---|---|
| Region | Epirus |
| Coordinates | 39°09′29″N 20°59′13″E / 39.158°N 20.987°E |
| Type | City |
| History | |
| Periods | Greek, Roman, Byzantine |
Ambracia (/æmˈbreɪʃə/; Ancient Greek: Ἀμβρακία, occasionally Ἀμπρακία, Ampracia) was a city of ancient Greece on the site of modern Arta. It was founded by the Corinthians in 625 BC and was situated about 11 km (7 mi) from the Ambracian Gulf, on a bend of the navigable river Arachthos (or Aratthus), in the midst of a fertile wooded plain.[1]
Name
[edit]It was named after Ambracia, who according to some myths was Augeas daughter, while others describe her as Apollo's granddaughter and the daughter of Melaneus, king of the Dryope.[2]
According to a different story, the town was named after Ambrax, Thesprotus son and Lycaon's grandson.[2]
History
[edit]Ambracia was founded between 650 and 625 BC by Gorgus, son of the Corinthian tyrant Cypselus, at which time its economy was based on farmlands, fishing, timber for shipbuilding, and the exportation of the produce of Epirus.[1] After the expulsion of Gorgus's son Periander its government developed into a strong democracy. The early policy of Ambracia was determined by its loyalty to Corinth (for which it probably served as an entrepot in the Epirus trade), and its consequent aversion to Corcyra (as Ambracia participated on the Corinthian side at the Battle of Sybota, which took place in 433 BC between the rebellious Corinthian colony of Corcyra (modern Corfu) and Corinth).[3]
Ambraciot politics featured many frontier disputes with the Amphilochians and Acarnanians. Hence it took a prominent part in the Peloponnesian War until the crushing defeat at Idomene (426), which crippled its resources.[3]
In the 4th century BC, it continued its traditional policy but in 338 was besieged by Philip II of Macedon. With the assistance of Corinth and Athens, it escaped complete domination at Philip's hands but was nevertheless forced to accept a Macedonian garrison.[1] In 294 BC, after forty-three years of semi-autonomy under Macedonian suzerainty, Ambracia was given by the son of Cassander to Pyrrhus, king of Epirus, who made it his capital and adorned it with palaces, temples, and theatres. In the wars of Philip V of Macedon and the Epirotes against the Aetolian League (220–205), Ambracia passed from one alliance to the other but ultimately joined the latter confederacy. During the struggle of the Aetolians against Rome, it withstood a stubborn siege,[3] including the first known use of poison gas against the Romans' siege tunnels.[4] There was an ancient book, titled Ambrakika (Ἀμβρακικά), by the writer Athanadas, that detailed the history of Ambracia. No copies of the work survive, but it was referred to by later writers such as Antoninus Liberalis as an authority on the subject.
Ambracia was captured and plundered by Marcus Fulvius Nobilior in 189 BC, after which it was declared by Rome a "free city" and gradually fell into insignificance.[1][3] The foundation by Augustus of Nicopolis, into which the remaining inhabitants were drafted, left the site desolate. In Byzantine times a new settlement took its place under the name of Arta. Some fragmentary walls of large, well-dressed blocks near this latter town indicate the early prosperity of Ambracia.[3]
Ambraciotes
[edit]Artists
[edit]- Epigonus of Ambracia, 6th BC musician
- Nicocles, auletes
- Hippasus, tragic actor
- Epicrates of Ambracia, c. 4th BC comic poet[5]
Athletes
[edit]- Sophron, Stadion Olympics 432 BC[6]
- Tlasimachus, Tethrippon and Synoris Olympics 296 BC[7]
- Andromachus, Stadion Olympics 60 BC[8]
Various
[edit]- Silanus of Ambracia, 5th BC seer
- Cleombrotus of Ambracia, student of Plato[9]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c d Hammond, Nicholas Geoffrey Lemprière (1996), "Ambracia", in Hornblower, Simon; Spawforth, Anthony (eds.), Oxford Classical Dictionary (3rd ed.), Oxford: Oxford University Press, ISBN 0-19-521693-8
- ^ a b A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology, Ambracia
- ^ a b c d e Caspari 1911.
- ^ Polybius 21.28
- ^ biographical sketch online.
- ^ Clarke, Adam (1806). "The Bibliographical Miscellany". Google.
- ^ "Tlasimachus". Google Search. Retrieved 25 June 2023.
- ^ "180th [60 B.C.] - Andromachus of Ambracia - Google Search". www.google.com. Retrieved 25 June 2023.
- ^ Screech, M. A. (2000). Montaigne & melancholy. Internet Archive. Rowman & Littlefield. ISBN 978-0-7425-0863-7.
Attribution:
- This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Caspari, Max Otto Bismarck (1911). "Ambracia". In Chisholm, Hugh (ed.). Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol. 1 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. pp. 797–798.
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