Emporion was founded in 575 BC by Greek colonists from Phocaea with the name of Ἐμπόριον meaning "trading place".
After the conquest of Phocaea by the Persian king Cyrus II in 530 BC, the new city's population increased considerably through the influx of refugees. In the face of strong pressure from Carthage, the city managed to retain its independent Hellenic character. Political and commercial agreements were concluded with the indigenous population long settled in the nearby city of Indika. It became the largest Greek colony in the Iberian Peninsula.
After the conquest of Hispania by the Romans, Emporion remained an independent city-state. However, in the civil war between Pompey and Julius Caesar, it opted for Pompey, and after his defeat it was stripped of its autonomy. A colonia of Roman veterans, named Emporiae, was established near Indika to control the region.
From that time onwards, Emporion began to decline, obscured by the power of Tarraco (Tarragona) and Barcino (Barcelona).
After the conquest of Phocaea by the Persian king Cyrus II in 530 BC, the new city's population increased considerably through the influx of refugees. In the face of strong pressure from Carthage, the city managed to retain its independent Hellenic character. Political and commercial agreements were concluded with the indigenous population long settled in the nearby city of Indika. It became the largest Greek colony in the Iberian Peninsula.
After the conquest of Hispania by the Romans, Emporion remained an independent city-state. However, in the civil war between Pompey and Julius Caesar, it opted for Pompey, and after his defeat it was stripped of its autonomy. A colonia of Roman veterans, named Emporiae, was established near Indika to control the region.
From that time onwards, Emporion began to decline, obscured by the power of Tarraco (Tarragona) and Barcino (Barcelona).
Modern location: Empúries
(1)
Emporion
Obverse: Head of Persephone right; 3 dolphins around
Reverse: Pegasus flying right; EMΠOPITΩΝ
Diameter:
17.5 mm
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 4.47 g
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 4.47 g
ex Liste Jacquier 30, Kehl, 2003, Nr. 54.
ex Sammlung Erich Karl
Calico 598ff. Villaronga, CNH 20, 15ff. SNG BM Spain 16