v38_0189 - PONTO - AMISUS Drachme

PONTUS - AMISOS

(5th - 4th century BC)

Located on the Black Sea between Sinope and Pharnaces, Amisos was founded in the 6th century BC by the Milesians and the Phocaeans. In the middle of the following century, populated by Athenian settlers, it was renamed Peiraeus (Piraeus). Datames seized Amisos in 372 BC, the city became a tributary of the Persians and an oligarchy was established. It was Alexander the Great who liberated the city and restored its democratic status. Its coinage lasted until the 1st century BC, experiencing a significant extension under the reign of Mithridates VI of Pontus (120-63 AC.).