Akragas was founded on a plateau overlooking the sea, with two nearby rivers, the Hypsas and the Akragas, and a ridge to the north offering a degree of natural fortification. Its establishment took place around 582-580 BC and is attributed to Greek colonists from Gela.
Akragas grew rapidly, becoming one of the richest and most famous of the Greek colonies of Magna Graecia. Although neutral in the conflict between Athens and Syracuse, its democracy was overthrown when the city was sacked by the Carthaginians in 406 BC. Akragas never fully recovered its former status.
In 241 BC, the final peace settlement between Carthage and Rome transfered control of Sicily (and Akragas) to Rome.
Akragas grew rapidly, becoming one of the richest and most famous of the Greek colonies of Magna Graecia. Although neutral in the conflict between Athens and Syracuse, its democracy was overthrown when the city was sacked by the Carthaginians in 406 BC. Akragas never fully recovered its former status.
In 241 BC, the final peace settlement between Carthage and Rome transfered control of Sicily (and Akragas) to Rome.
Modern location: Agrigento, Italy
(1)
Akragas
An
AR
Quarter-Shekel
struck ~ 211-210 BCE
in
Akragas
Obverse: Head of Triptolemos to the right
Reverse: Horse gallopping right, ḤT underneath
Diameter:
14 mm
Die Orientation: 0 H
Weight: 1.11 g
Die Orientation: 0 H
Weight: 1.11 g
This coin was struck during the 2nd Punic War.
No references provided for this coin
(2)
Akragas
Obverse: eagle right, tearing at hare AKP_A
Reverse: Crab, crayfish left below •••
Diameter:
21 mm
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 9.21 g
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 9.21 g
No notes for this coin
SNG COP. 75 var. SNG München 132
(3)
Akragas
.jpg)
Obverse: sea eagle; AK / AЯ
Reverse: crab
Diameter:
20 mm
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 8.6 g
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 8.6 g
ex Dr. Ernst von Ferrari-Kellerhof
Jenkins, Gela, Group IV; SNG ANS 954-5.
.jpg)