v53_0062 - ATTICA - ATHENA Tétradrachme

ATTICA - ATHENS

(393-323 BC)

After the fall of Athens in 404 BC and the establishment of the oligarchic government of the Thirty Tyrants under Spartan hegemony, the city lost its maritime empire, saw its fleet confiscated and the Long Walls dismantled. Democracy is restored the following year, but Athens withdraws into itself. Socrates is obliged to absorb the hemlock (399 AC.). Athens regains its place thanks to Conon. It relies first on the Persians, then allies with Thebes against Sparta (378 AC.). A new maritime confederation was formed the following year. The Spartans are defeated at Naxos (376 AC.). Athens signs peace with Sparta and turns against Thebes. From 357 BC, she had to face a revolt from her allies and the rise to power of Philip II of Macedonia, after taking Amphipolis. The Athenians are finally defeated at Chaeronea in 338 BC before falling under Macedonian rule.