Aegina -- Ancient History Encyclopedia

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Timeline

c. 3000 BC

Aegina inhabited during Neolithic period.
c. 2000 BC

Mycenaean culture flourishes on Aegina.
c. 740 BC

Coins first minted on the island.
c. 570 BC

First Temple of Aphaia complex built.
510 BC

Fire Destroys the Temple of Aphaia complex and other structures.
c. 501 BC

Aegina's culture is at its height.
c. 490 BC - c. 480 BC

Supremacy of Aegina's naval fleet. Temple of Aphaia rebuilt.
480 BC

The fleet participates significantly in the Battle of Salamis. Aegina awarded the victory wreath.
459 BC - c. 456 BC

Athens conquers Aegina. Island becomes subject/ally of Athens. Begins to decline.

Definition

Aegina is an island in the Saronic Gulf south of Athens. It was one of Greece's early maritime powers, famous for minting one of the earliest coins that were accepted all over the Mediterranean.

Aegina was an early rival of Athens and fought against it in the first Peloponnesian War, where Aegina was probably backed by the Persian who not only protected their trade interests, but also supported the enemy of their enemy (ie. Athens).

Written by Jan van der Crabben.

Articles

The Island Kingdom of Aegina: The Old Gods Still Whisper Their Truths

Today, traveling an hour by ferry from Piraeus, the port of Athens, the first remnant of Aegina’s great past a visitor will see is the lonely...
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