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What a name for a city.
The city was founded between 371 and 368 BC by the Theban general Epaminondas and the Arcadian League in an attempt to form a political counterweight to Sparta. It was one of the 40 places that were megále pólis (great city). Megalopolis was a member of the Arcadian League after its foundation until the dissolution of the federation in 362 BC. In 331 BC, Megalopolis was invaded by the Spartans and there was a battle with the Macedonians that came to Megalopolis' help. In 235 BC, the tyrant of the city, Lydiades, gave up control over the polis and the city became a member of the Achaean League. In 223 BC, the Spartan king Cleomenes III burnt down the city but it was reinstated by Philopoemen, the general of the Achaean League. By the city remained populated under the Romans but by the 6th century it was almost completely abandoned. The nearby village of Sinano (Σινάνο), situated south of the ancient city, was renamed Megalopoli after Greek Independence.
ARKADIA, Megalopolis. Circa 80-50 BC. Æ Trichalkon, Laureate head of Zeus left / Eagle standing right on thunderbolt; monograms to left and right; MEΓ below; all within oak wreath. BCD Peloponnesos 1568.2; HGC 5, 951.
The city was founded between 371 and 368 BC by the Theban general Epaminondas and the Arcadian League in an attempt to form a political counterweight to Sparta. It was one of the 40 places that were megále pólis (great city). Megalopolis was a member of the Arcadian League after its foundation until the dissolution of the federation in 362 BC. In 331 BC, Megalopolis was invaded by the Spartans and there was a battle with the Macedonians that came to Megalopolis' help. In 235 BC, the tyrant of the city, Lydiades, gave up control over the polis and the city became a member of the Achaean League. In 223 BC, the Spartan king Cleomenes III burnt down the city but it was reinstated by Philopoemen, the general of the Achaean League. By the city remained populated under the Romans but by the 6th century it was almost completely abandoned. The nearby village of Sinano (Σινάνο), situated south of the ancient city, was renamed Megalopoli after Greek Independence.
ARKADIA, Megalopolis. Circa 80-50 BC. Æ Trichalkon, Laureate head of Zeus left / Eagle standing right on thunderbolt; monograms to left and right; MEΓ below; all within oak wreath. BCD Peloponnesos 1568.2; HGC 5, 951.
Collection : Ancient Greece