The Strategic Region of Akarnania in Ancient Greece
Akarnania, a historical region in western Greece, stretches between the Ionian Sea, the Achelous River, and the Gulf of Ambracia. Predominantly flat with a mountainous barrier along the Ionian coast, the region spans between the Gulf of Arta and the Aspropotamo (White River). Today, it is known as Xiromeros, which translates to "dry land." This name reflects the prevalent karstic landscape, where geological features reduce surface water flow dramatically.
Greece. Akarnania
The name Akarnania did not appear in early records. Homer (8th century BCE) referred to it simply as Epeirus, indicating the mainland opposite Ithaca and Cephalonia. According to legend, the region was first inhabited by groups such as the Tafii (or Teleboae), Leleges, and Curetes.
- The Tafii (Teleboae), mainly occupied islands off the western coast of Akarnania, sustaining themselves through piracy.
- The Leleges, meanwhile, had a more widespread presence, also occupying parts of Aetolia, Locris, and other areas in Greece.
- The Curetes are thought to have originally come from Aetolia; they eventually settled in Akarnania after being expelled from their previous territory by Aetolus and his followers.
According to myth, the city was founded by Acarnan, the heroic son of Alcmaeon and Callirhoe and brother to Amphoterus. Acarnan avenged his father’s death by killing Phigeus and his sons before migrating to what would become Akarnania, which was named in his honor. If this story is true, it would imply an early settlement of Argive colonists along the Akarnanian coast.
Ancient Coin of Akarnania Greece. Akarnania, Federal Coinage. Circa 300-167 BC. Æ 21mm. Helmeted head of Athena left / Head of a man-headed bull (Achelous) left; trident above. SNG Copenhagen 423-424.
Due to its strategic location on the maritime route to Italy, Akarnania became entangled in various wars over the centuries. In the 7th century BCE, Greek influence began to assert itself in the region, particularly with Corinthian efforts to establish cities along the coast. These new settlements formed a loose federation, gradually pushing the original inhabitants inland. Akarnanians largely lived in dispersed villages and would retreat to the mountains when under attack.
By the 5th century BCE, historian Thucydides noted that the Akarnanians retained archaic or "semi-barbaric" customs, frequently engaging in conflicts with their neighbors and relying on piracy. While they were not heavily involved in the cultural developments of classical Greece, the Akarnanians identified as Greeks and were allowed to participate in pan-Hellenic games. Their involvement in the wider Greek world intensified with political events, particularly those involving Athens and Sparta. Notably, they were recognized for their loyalty and courage, serving as effective light-armed troops and excelling as slingers.
Following the Peloponnesian War, Akarnania's hostility towards Corinthian settlers, who had taken control of the region's most valuable ports, naturally aligned them with the Athenians. This led to the formation of the 'Akarnanian League', a coalition against Corinth and Sparta. In 426 BCE, under the leadership of the Athenian general Demosthenes, the Akarnanians won a significant victory against the Peloponnesians and Ambraciots at the Battle of Olpae.
However, the Spartans eventually occupied Akarnania and subjected its people. This occupation did not end frontier disputes, which ultimately led to the division of the region between the Aetolians and the Epirotes.
Following Alexander the Great's reign, Akarnania came under the Macedonian sphere of influence. In 314 BCE, the Macedonian king Cassander ordered the consolidation of smaller settlements near the Aetolian border into fewer, larger communities, likely to better control the population and maintain stability. From the late 4th century BCE, Macedonian influence grew even stronger, with the Akarnanians aligning themselves closely with Macedonian rulers and remaining loyal allies through various periods of strife.
In 230 BCE, the ancient Akarnanian confederation reformed on a new foundation, and although the region maintained some autonomy, it fell under Roman control following the defeat of Macedonian King Philip V in 197 BCE. The Romans permitted the league to function but monitored it closely. After Greece became a Roman province in 146 BCE, Akarnania was formally incorporated into the province of Achaea in 27 BCE under Emperor Augustus.
Akarnania suffered greatly during the 1st century BCE, largely due to piracy and Roman civil wars. The instability in the region continued to disrupt its political and social structure, leading to a gradual decline in prominence.
While Akarnania’s role in classical Greek culture may have been minor, its historical significance stems from its strategic position and resilience in the face of continuous invasions and occupations. Despite these challenges, the Akarnanians preserved their identity and demonstrated remarkable adaptability across centuries of fluctuating political alliances and external pressures.
Last update: November 5, 2024
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