Ambracia facts for kids
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Ἀμβρακία
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Small theater at Ambracia
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| Alternative name | Arta |
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| 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 (pronounced am-BRAY-shuh) was an important city in ancient Greece. It was located where the modern city of Arta is today. The city was started by people from Corinth around 625 BC. It was built about 11 kilometers (7 miles) from the Ambracian Gulf. Ambracia was on a bend of the Arachthos River, which was good for boats. The area around it was a rich, green plain.
Contents
History of Ambracia
Founding and Early Days
Ambracia was founded between 650 and 625 BC. It was started by Gorgus, who was the son of a ruler from Corinth named Cypselus. In its early days, Ambracia's economy was based on farming and fishing. They also used timber from local forests to build ships. The city also traded goods from the wider Epirus region.
After Gorgus's son, Periander, was no longer in charge, Ambracia became a strong democracy. This meant that the citizens had a say in how the city was run. Ambracia was very loyal to Corinth, which had founded it. This loyalty often put Ambracia against Corcyra (modern Corfu). For example, Ambracia fought on Corinth's side in the Battle of Sybota in 433 BC.
Wars and Conflicts
Ambracia often had arguments and small wars with its neighbors, the Amphilochians and Acarnanians. This meant Ambracia played a big part in the Peloponnesian War. This was a huge war between different Greek city-states. Ambracia suffered a major defeat at the Battle of Idomene in 426 BC. This battle greatly weakened the city.
In the 4th century BC, Ambracia continued its traditional policies. But in 338 BC, Philip II of Macedon attacked the city. With help from Corinth and Athens, Ambracia avoided being completely taken over. However, it had to accept a Macedonian army staying in the city.
Under Pyrrhus and Rome
In 294 BC, Ambracia was given to Pyrrhus, the king of Epirus. This happened after 43 years of being partly independent under Macedonian rule. Pyrrhus made Ambracia his capital city. He built many beautiful palaces, temples, and theaters there.
During the wars between Philip V of Macedon and the Epirotes against the Aetolian League (220–205 BC), Ambracia changed sides a few times. Eventually, it joined the Aetolian League. When the Aetolians fought against Rome, Ambracia faced a tough siege. During this siege, there was a very early known use of a kind of poison gas against the Romans' tunnels.
In 189 BC, the Roman general Marcus Fulvius Nobilior captured Ambracia. The city was looted and then declared a "free city" by Rome. Over time, Ambracia became less important. When Augustus founded the city of Nicopolis, the remaining people from Ambracia were moved there. This left the site of Ambracia empty. Later, in Byzantine times, a new settlement grew up there, which is now Arta. You can still see some old wall fragments near Arta that show how grand Ambracia once was.
Famous People from Ambracia
Many interesting people came from Ambracia.
Artists
- Epigonus of Ambracia: A musician from the 6th century BC.
- Nicocles: A famous flute player (auletes).
- Hippasus: A tragic actor.
- Epicrates of Ambracia: A comic poet from around the 4th century BC.
Athletes
- Sophron: Won the Stadion running race at the Olympics in 432 BC.
- Tlasimachus: Won both the Tethrippon (four-horse chariot race) and Synoris (two-horse chariot race) at the Olympics in 296 BC.
- Andromachus: Won the Stadion race at the Olympics in 60 BC.
Other Notable People
- Silanus of Ambracia: A seer (someone who could predict the future) from the 5th century BC.
- Cleombrotus of Ambracia: A student of the famous philosopher Plato.
See also
- List of cities in ancient Epirus
- List of ancient Greek cities
