History Map of the Aetolian and Achaean Leagues at the time of the Macedonian Empire 336-323 BC.
The Aetolian and Achaian Leagues
Yellow - Aetolians
Green - Achaeans
Illustrating
Zacynthus
Modern Zante
Cephalonia
Associated with the mythological figure Cephalus, who is said to have been a king of this island.
Leucas
Modern Lefkada, Greek: Λευκάδα. At some point in history it was also called
Amaxíkhi, and Santa Maura
Acarnania
An early ally of Athens in the Peloponnesian War. The Acarnanians were noted for their military
capabilities, particularly as light-armed troops and slingers. They formed the Acarnanian League to unite
their cities politically and militarily against common foes, such as the Corinthians and later the Spartans.
The City of Ambracia
Founded by Corinthian settlers around 625 BC, the city was eventually captured by the Acarnanians
with Athenian support. It is considered a prominent city-state within Epirus, not a distinct region.
Epirus
It was home to the Molossians, a prominent tribe, and is famous for the Oracle of Dodona, one of the
oldest oracles in Greece dedicated to Zeus. King Pyrrhus was an Epirote ("from Epirus") king, known for his
military campaigns against Rome - the Pyrrhic War, which took place from 280 to 275 BC.
Thessaly
A fertile plain in central Greece home to several important city-states, including Larissa and Pharsalus
The City of Demetrias
Founded in 294 BC by Demetrius Poliorcetes
Dolopia
A region in Thessaly, it was inhabited by the Dolopes, a tribe known for their warrior culture.
Etymologically, nothing to do with our dollops.
Euboea
Modern Evia, in history it was also referred to as Macris, Doliche, Abantis, and Hellopia.
The name Euboea is derived from Greek words meaning "the land of well-fed oxen".
Aetolia
(as in Aetolian League)
Oetaea
Also the name of the nearby mountain, Mount Oeta. In Greek mythology, Hercules was also given
the epithet "Oetaeus", because it was on Mount Oeta where he burned himself and died.
Phthiotis
According to Homer, Achilles' homeland. The Myrmidons, Achilles' fierce warriors, also
hailed from Phthiotis.
Locris
According to legend, Locris was named after Locrus, the son of Poseidon and the nymph Euboea.
And according to the Iliad, Locris was the birthplace of Ajax the Lesser, son of Oileus, who was
leading the Locrian forces during the Trojan War.
Phocis
Home to the Oracle of Delphi. The city of Delphi was also renowned for its sacred sanctuary
dedicated to Apollo. Delphi was considered by the ancient Greeks to be the center of the world, marked
by the sacred stone known as the Omphalos ("navel"). If something or someone is from Phocis, it is
Phocaean or Phocian.
Boeotia
Boeotia was known for its rivalry with Athens and its prominent city, Thebes.
The City of Thebes
Thebes is still its name, but in Greek it is known as Θήβα [Thiva].
Attica
Home of Athens
The City of Athens
Known for its philosophy and democracy, a powerful city-state during the classical period.
Argolis
Known for its monumental archaeological sites, such as Mycenae, the legendary city of King
Agamemnon, and the ancient theater at Epidaurus, which seated 14,000 spectators.
The City of Argos
One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
The City of Megara
The City of Sicyon
Corinth's Rival
The City of Corinth
A major city-state in ancient Greece, famous for its wealth and commerce
Arcadia
A mountainous region in central Peloponnese, often idealized in literature as a pastoral paradise.
Achaia
(or Achaea, as in Achaean League)
Elis
Host of the ancient Olympic Games at Olympia.
Messenia
Known for its fertile land and historical conflicts with Sparta.
Laconia
Controlled by Sparta
The City of Sparta
Prominent city-state in Laconia, known for its military-oriented society and
rigorous training of its citizens, the Spartans. It was originally known as Lacedaemon.
The City of Sellasia
Noted for the Battle of Sellasia in 222 BC,
where the Spartans were defeated by the Achaean League under Cleomenes III.
Cythera (Kythira)
Aphrodite's birthplace in mythological narratives. Hence, Cythera became synonymous
with beauty, love, and desire, and is often depicted in art and literature as an idyllic place
embodying these qualities.
Peloponnese
The peninsula on which Argolis, Arcadia, Elis, Achaia, Messenia, and Laconia are
located. It is separated from the mainland by the Gulf of Corinth to the north and is connected by
the Isthmus of Corinth, which is approximately 10 kilometers wide.
The body of water to the west is the Ionian Sea, to the east, the Aegean Sea. Additionally,
we have the Gulf of Corinth, the Gulf of Argolis, the Gulf of Laconia, and the Gulf of Messenia.
Credits
University of Texas at Austin. Historical Atlas by William Shepherd (1911).
