Eponymous archon

In ancient Greece the chief magistrate in various Greek city states was called eponymous archon (ἐπώνυμος ἄρχων, epōnymos archōn). "Archon" (ἄρχων, pl. ἄρχοντες, archontes) means "ruler" or "lord", frequently used as the title of a specific public office,[1] while "eponymous" means that he gave his name to the year in which he held office, much like the Roman dating by consular years.

In Classical Athens, a system of nine concurrent archons evolved, led by three respective remits over the civic, military, and religious affairs of the state: the three office holders were known as the eponymous archon (ruler of Athens, the highest political office in the city-state), the polemarch (πολέμαρχος, "war ruler", the commander-in-chief of the Athenian military), and the archon basileus (ἄρχων βασιλεύς, "king ruler", the high priest of the city).[2][3] The six others were the thesmothetai, judicial officers. Originally these offices were filled from the wealthier classes by elections every ten years. During this period the eponymous archon was the chief magistrate, the polemarch was the head of the armed forces, and the archon basileus was responsible for some civic religious arrangements, and for the supervision of some major trials in the law courts. After 683 BC the offices were held for only a single year, and the year was named after the eponymous archon.

Background

The archon was the chief magistrate in many Greek cities, but in Athens there was a council of archons which exerted a form of executive government. From the late 8th century BC there were three archons: the archon eponymos, the polemarchos (originally with a military role, which was transferred to the ten strategoi in 501 BC), and the archon basileus (the ceremonial vestige of the Athenian monarchy).[4] These positions were filled from the aristocracy (the Eupatridae) by elections every ten years. During this period Archon Eponymous was the chief magistrate, the Polemarch was the head of the armed forces, and the Archon Basileus was responsible for the civic religious arrangements.

After 683 BC the offices were held for only a single year, and the year was named after the archon eponymous.[citation needed] The year ran from July to June.[5] The archon eponymous was the chief archon, and presided over meetings of the Boule and Ecclesia, the ancient Athenian assemblies. The archon eponymous remained the titular head of state even under the democracy, though with much reduced political importance. Under the reforms of Solon, himself archon eponymous in 594 BC, there was a brief period when the number of archons rose to ten. After 457 BC ex-archons were automatically enrolled as life members of the Areopagus, though that assembly was no longer extremely important politically.

One of the archons oversaw the procedure for ostracism after 487 BC.[6] An archon's court was in charge of the epikleroi.[7] Other duties of the archons included supervising the Panathenaea and Dionysia festivals.[8]

List of archons of Athens

In the following list of Archons, years where the name of the archon is unknown are identified as such. Years listed as "anarchy" mean that there was literally "no archon". There are various conflicting reconstructions of lists; sources for this list are given at the end. Note that the term of an archon covered two of our years, beginning in the spring or summer and continuing into the next spring or summer. The polemarch or strategoi, basileus, and thesmothetai (the six assistants to the archons) are also listed, where known.

Archaic period

Life archons

The later Athenian tradition varies on the exact position of this line; they held archonship for life, sometimes referred to as "Perpetual Archon", and exercised the sacral powers of kingship, as did the archon basileus later. The historicity of any of this ancient list may be reasonably doubted. However, Aristotle indicates, within the Constitution of Athens, that it was indeed the house of Codrus that abolished the title of king in favor of Archon.[9]

YearArchonOther notable information
1068–1048 BCMedon (Μέδων)[10]First ruler of Attica after the period of the Kings.
1048–1012 BCAcastus (Ἄκαστος)[11][12]Troy VIIb2 destroyed (c. 1120 BC).
1012–993 BCArchippus[13]
993–952 BCThersippus[14]
952–922 BCPhorbas (Φόρβας)Troy VIIb3: deserted (c. 950 BC)
922–892 BCMegacles (Μεγακλῆς)
892–864 BCDiognetus
864–845 BCPherecles[15]Homer composes the Iliad[16] and Odyssey. (c. 850 BC)[17]
845–825 BCAriphron
824–797 BCThespieus (Θεσπιεύς)
796–778 BCAgamestor[18]
778–755 BCAeschylus (Αἰσχύλος)First Olympiad[19][20] (776 BC)
755–753 BCAlcmaeon (Ἀλκμαίων)

Decennial archons

In 753 BC the perpetual archonship by the Eupatridae[21] was limited to 10 years (the "decennial archons"):[22]

YearArchonOther notable information
753–743 BCCharops[23][24]In Rome, Romulus, the first ruler of the city, takes power.[25]
743–733 BCAesimides[26]In Messenia, First Messenian War begins.
733–723 BCClidicus[27]Diaulos footrace introduced at the Olympics. (724 BC)
723–713 BCHippomenes[28]
713–703 BCLeocrates
703–693 BCApsander[29]Hesiod writes "Theogony" (c. 700 BC).
693–683 BCEryxiasBoxing added to the Olympics. (688 BC)[30] Chalcedon colony founded (685 BC).

Annual archons

After 683 BC the archonship was limited to one year. Archons resided in the Prytaneion.

YearEponymous archon[31]Other officials or associated events
682–681 BCCreonCreon is considered by the ancient sources, and most modern authorities, as the first annual archon.[32]
681–680 BCLysiadesMentioned in the Parian Marble.
680–679 BCTlesiasPausanias (IV.15.1) dates the beginning of the Second Messenian War to his archonship.
679–671 BCUnknown
671–670 BCLeostratus
670–669 BCUnknown
669–668 BCPisistratusPausanias (II.24.7) dates the first Battle of Hysiae to his archonship.
668–667 BCAutosthenesPausanias (IV.23.4) dates the capture of Eira and the end of the Second Messenian War to his archonship.
667–664 BCUnknown
664–663 BCMiltiades[33]
663–659 BCUnknown
659–658 BCMiltiades[33]
658–645 BCUnknownPausanias (VIII.39.3) dates the capture of Phigalia by the Spartans to his archonship.
645–644 BCDropidesThe Parian Marble associates Dropides with the floruit of Terpander the Lesbian, who developed the music of the lyre.
644–639 BCUnknown
639–638 BCDamasiasThales was born
638–634 BCUnknown
634–633 BCEpaenetus (?)[34]
633–632 BCUnknown
632–631 BCMegaclesCylon attempts to become tyrant
631–624 BCUnknown
624–623 BCAristaechmusAccording to the Athenian Constitution, Dracon reformed the laws of Athens during the archonship of Aristaechmus.
623–621 BCUnknown

Reorganized

YearEponymous archonOther officials or associated events
621–615 BCUnknown
615–614 BCHeniochides
614–605 BCUnknown
605–604 BCAristoclesThe Parian Marble associates the archonship of Aristocles with Alyattes becoming king of Lydia.
604–600 BCUnknown
600–599 BCCritiasThe Parian Marble dates the flight of Sappho from Lesbos to Sicily in the archonship of Critias.
599–597 BCUnknown
597–596 BCCypselus[35]
596–595 BCTelecles[35]
595–594 BCPhilombrotus[35]First Sacred War begins.
594–593 BCSolonSolon reforms Draco's code.
593–592 BCDropides
592–591 BCEucrates
591–590 BCSimon
590–589 BCanarchy
589–588 BCPhormion
588–587 BCPhilippus
587–586 BCUnknown
586–585 BCanarchy
585–582 BCUnknownPythian Games reorganised at Delphi.
582–581 BCDamasiasAccording to the Athenian Constitution, Damasias held the archonship for two years and nine months before being expelled.
581–580 BCDamasiasDemetrios of Phaleron states that it was during the archonship of Damasias that "Thales was first called wise".
580–579 BCanarchyCommittee of 10 men serves jointly as archons[36]
579–578 BCanarchy
578–577 BCUnknown
577–576 BCArchestratidas
576–570 BCUnknown
570–569 BCAristomenes
569–566 BCUnknown
566–565 BCHippocleides
565–561 BCUnknown
561–560 BCKomeasThe Athenian Constitution dates the usurpation of Pisistratus as tyrant of Athens to the archonship of Komeas.
560–559 BCHegestratusPhaenias of Eresus dates the death of Solon to the archonship of Hegestratus.
559–556 BCPisistratusTyrant, 3 unknown archons from 559-556 BC
556–555 BCHegesiasThe Athenian Constitution dates the first expulsion of Peisistratos to the archonship of Hegesias.
555–554 BCEuthidemus
554–548 BCUnknown
548–547 BCErxicleidesPausanias (X.5.13) dates the destruction by fire of the fourth temple of Delphi to his archonship.
547–546 BCThespius[35]Pisistratus becomes tyrant again
546–545 BCPhormion[35]
545–536 BCUnknown
536-535 BC[...]naiosThe Parian Marble dates the first performance of Thespis to the tenure of this archon, whose name is damaged.
535–533 BCUnknown
533–532 BCThericles
532–528 BCUnknown
528–527 BCPhiloneusAccording to the Athenian Constitution, Philoneus was archon when Pisistratus died and his sons Hippias and Hipparchus succeeded him as tyrants
527–526 BCOnetor[37]
526–525 BCHippias
525–524 BCCleisthenes[38]Cleisthenes later made reforms, in 508 BC.[39]
524–523 BCMiltiadesCadoux is uncertain whether this is Miltiades son of Kypselos, or Miltiades son of Cimon.[40]
523–522 BCCalliades
522–521 BCPisistratusPossibly the son of Hippias, archon of 526/5.[41]
521–518 BCUnknown
518–517 BCHebron (?)[42]
517–511 BCUnknown
511–510 BCHarpactidesThe Parian Marble dates the assassination of Hipparchus and the expulsion of the Peistratids from Athens to Harpactides' archonship.
510–509 BCScamandrius
509–508 BCLysagoras
508–507 BCIsagorasCleisthenes competes with Isagoras for archonship, but is expelled by Cleomenes I of Sparta
507–506 BCAlcmeon
506–504 BCUnknown
504–503 BCAcestorides
503–501 BCUnknown
501–500 BCHermocreon
500–499 BCSmyrus (?)[43]
499–497 BCUnknown
497–496 BCArchias[44]
496–495 BCHipparchus
495–494 BCPhilippus
494–493 BCPythocritus
493–492 BCThemistocles
492–491 BCDiognetus
491–490 BCHybrilides
490–489 BCPhaenippusThe Parian Marble, Plutarch, and the Athenian Constitution all date the Battle of Marathon to the archonship of Phaenippus.
489–488 BCAristides the Just
488–487 BCAnchises
487–486 BCTelesinus[45]The Athenian Constitution dates the ostracism of Megacles to the archonship of Telesinus.
486–485 BCUnknown
485–484 BCPhilocrates
484–483 BCLeostratus
483–482 BCNicodemus
482–481 BCUnknown
481–480 BCHypsichidesAccording to the Athenian Constitution, Hypsichides was archon when the ostracized of Athens were recalled.[46]

Classical period

Year
(BC)
Year
Olympiads
ArchonOther officials or notable events
480–47975.1Calliades[47]Second Persian invasion of Greece.[48] Aristides and Themistocles are strategoi.
479–47875.2XanthippusBattle of Plataea; Aristides is strategos
478–47775.3TimosthenesDelian League founded.
477–47675.4Adimantus
476–47576.1Phaedon
475–47476.2Dromoclides
474–47376.3Acestorides
473–47276.4Menon
472–47177.1Chares
471–47077.2Praxiergus
470–46977.3Demotion
469–46877.4Apsephion
468–46778.1Theagenides
467–46678.2Lysistratus
466–46578.3Lysanias
465–46478.4LysitheusSophanes is a strategos
464–46379.1Archedemides
463–46279.2TlepolemusCimon is a strategos
462–46179.3CononAccording to the Athenian Constitution (ch. 25), Ephialtes reforms the Areopagus, and is assassinated.
461–46079.4EuthippusAlso spelled Euippos.[49]
460–45980.1Phrasicles
459–45880.2PhiloclesPhrynicus, Dicaeogenes and Hippodamas are strategoi.
458–45780.3HabronSo Diodorus Siculus (11.79); other authorities state the eponymous archon for this year was Bion.[50]
457–45680.4Mnesitheides
456–45581.1Callias
455–45481.2Sosistratus
454–45381.3Ariston
453–45281.4Lysicrates
452–45182.1ChairephanesDiodorus (11.88–91) skips over Chairephanes and dates the events of his archonship to the previous year[51]
451–45082.2AntidotusAnaxicrates and Cimon are strategoi
450–44982.3Euthydemus
449–44882.4PedieusSecond Sacred War begins.
448–44783.1PhiliscusPericles, Tolmides and Epiteles are strategoi; Peace of Callias ends the Greco-Persian Wars
447–44683.2TimarchidesConstruction of the Parthenon begins.
446–44583.3Callimachus
445–44483.4LysimachidesPeace between Athens and Sparta. Age of Pericles begins.
444–44384.1PraxitelesPericles is a strategos
443–44284.2LysaniasPericles is a strategos
442–44184.3DiphilusPericles is a strategos
441–44084.4TimoclesPericles and Glaucon are strategoi[52][53]
440–43985.1MorychidesPericles is a strategos
439–43885.2GlaucinusAlso spelled Glaucidus. Pericles is a strategos
438–43785.3TheodorusPericles is a strategos
437–43685.4EuthymenesPericles is a strategos. Construction of the Propylaea begins
436–43586.1LysimachusSo Diodorus Siculus (12.33); other authorities state the eponymous archon for this year was Nausimachos.[50] Pericles is a strategos
435–43486.2AntiochidesAlso spelled Antilochidos. Pericles is a strategos
434–43386.3CratesAlso spelled Chares. Pericles is a strategos
433–43286.4ApseudesPericles, Lacedaemonius, Diotimus, and Proteas are strategoi
432–43187.1PythodorusBeginning of the Peloponnesian War, according to Thucydides.[54] Pericles and Callias are strategoi.
431–43087.2EuthydemusAlso spelled Euthydemos. Pericles is a strategos.
430–42987.3ApollodorusPericles dies; Xenophon, Hestiodorus, Calliades, Melesandrus, and Phanomachus are strategoi.
429–42887.4EpameinonPhormio is a strategos.
428–42788.1DiotimusDemosthenes, Asopius, Paches, Cleidippes, and Lysicles are strategoi
427–42688.2EuclesAlso spelled Eucleides. Nicias, Charoiades and Procles are strategoi
426–42588.3EuthynosAlso called Euthydemos. Laches and Hippocrates are strategoi
425–42488.4StratoclesNicias, Eurymedon, Pythodorus, and Sophocles are strategoi
424–42389.1IsarchusDemosthenes, Cleon, Thucydides and Hippocrates are strategoi
423–42289.2AmyniasAlso spelled Ameinias. Cleon is a strategos
422–42189.3AlcaeusCleon is a strategos
421–42089.4AristionConstruction of the Erechtheion begins.
420–41990.1AstyphilusAlcibiades is strategos
419–41890.2Archias
418–41790.3AntiphonLaches and Nicostratus are strategoi[55]
417–41690.4Euphemus
416–41591.1ArimnestusNicias, Alcibiades, and Lamachus are strategoi
415–41491.2ChariasAlso spelled Chabrias. Alcibiades is a strategos
414–41391.3TisandrusLamachus is a strategos
413–41291.4CleocritusEurymedon, Demosthenes, and Nicias are strategoi
412–41192.1Callias Scambonides
411–41092.2Mnasilochus (died); TheopompusSimichus and Aristarchus are strategoi
410–40992.3Glaucippus
409–40892.4DioclesAnytus is a strategos
408–40793.1Euctemon
407–40693.2AntigenesAlcibiades, Adeimantus, and Aristocrates are strategoi
406–40593.3Callias AngelidesArchestratus, Thrasylus, Pericles, Lysias, Diomedon, Aristocrates, Erasinides, Protomachus, and Aristogenes are strategoi
405–40493.4AlexiasBattle of Aegospotami. Adeimantus, Eucrates, Philocles, Menandrus, Tydeus, and Cephisodotus are strategoi
404–40394.1PythodorusSparta sets up the oligarchy of the Thirty Tyrants; Pythodorus not recognized as Eponymous Archon
403–40294.2Eucleides[56]Thirty Tyrants expelled, democracy reestablished. Old Attic alphabet was officially abolished in favor of the Ionic alphabet of twenty-four letters.
402–40194.3MiconAlso spelled Micion.
401–40094.4XenaenetusAlso spelled Exaenetus.
400–39995.1Laches
399–39895.2Aristocrates
398–39795.3EuthyclesAlso spelled Ithycles.
397–39695.4Souniades
396–39596.1Phormion
395–39496.2Diophantus
394–39396.3Eubulides
393–39296.4DemostratosAdeimantus is a strategos
392–39197.1Philocles
391–39097.2Nicoteles
390–38997.3DemostratusThrasybulus and Ergocles are strategoi
389–38897.4AntipaterAgyrrhius and Pamphilus are strategoi
388–38798.1PyrgionThrasybulus and Dionysius are strategoi
387–38698.2TheodotusPeace of Antalcidas ends the Corinthian War
386–38598.3Mystichides
385–38498.4Dexitheus
384–38399.1DieitrephesAlso spelled Diotrephes
383–38299.2Phanostratus
382–38199.3Euandrus
381–38099.4Demophilus
380–379100.1Pytheas
379–378100.2Nicon
378–377100.3Nausinicus
377–376100.4CalleasAlso spelled Callias.
376–375101.1CharisanderCedon is a strategos.
375–374101.2Hippodamas
374–373101.3Socratides
373–372101.4AsteiusIphicrates, Callistratus, Chabrias, and Timotheus are strategoi
372–371102.1Alcisthenes
371–370102.2Phrasicleides
370–369102.3Dysnicetus(mistakenly Dyscinetus in Pausanias 4.27.9)
369–368102.4Lysistratus
368–367103.1Nausigenes
367–366103.2Polyzelus
366–365103.3CiphisodorusChabrias is a strategos
365–364103.4ChionIphicrates is a strategos
364–363104.1Timocrates
363–362104.2CharicleidesErgophilus and Callisthenes are strategoi
362–361104.3MolonLeosthenes and Autocles are strategoi.
361–360104.4NicophemusTimomachus is a strategos
360–359105.1CallimidesMenon, Timotheus, and Cephisodotus are strategoi
359–358105.2Eucharistus
358–357105.3Cephisodotus
357–356105.4AgathoclesChabrias is a strategos.
356–355106.1ElpinesIphicrates, Timotheus, and Menestheus are strategoi.
355–354106.2Callistratus
354–353106.3Diotemus
353–352106.4Thudemus
352–351107.1Aristodemus
351–350107.2TheellusTheogenes is Basileus (possibly)
350–349107.3Apollodorus
349–348107.4CallimachusHegesileus is a strategos
348–347108.1Theophilus
347–346108.2Themistocles[57]Proxenus is a strategos
346–345108.3Archias
345–344108.4Eubulus
344–343109.1LyciscusPhocion is a strategos.
343–342109.2Pythodotus
342–341109.3Sosigenes
341–340109.4Nicomachus
340–339110.1TheophrastusPhocion is a strategos
339–338110.2LysimachidesPhocion is a strategos, and is defeated by Philip II of Macedon
338–337110.3ChaerondasLysicles is a strategos
337–336110.4Phrynichus
336–335111.1PythodelosAlso spelled Pythodoros.
335–334111.2Euaenetus
334–333111.3Ctesicles
333–332111.4Nicocrates
332–331112.1NicetesAlso spelled Niceratos
331–330112.2Aristophanes
330–329112.3Aristophon
329–328112.4Cephisophon
328–327113.1Euthicritus
327–326113.2Hegemon
326–325113.3Chremes
325–324113.4AnticlesPhilocles is a strategos
324–323114.1HegesiasAlso spelled Agesias
323–322114.2CephisodorusAlso spelled Cephisophon. Phocion and Leosthenes are strategoi. Battle of Amorgos signals the end of Athenian sea power.
322–321114.3PhiloclesEnd of the Lamian War. Restriction of voting rights and installation of a Macedonian garrison in the Piraeus.

Hellenistic period

YearEponymous archonOther officials or notable events
321–320 BCArchippus
320–319 BCNeaechmus
319–318 BCApollodorus
318–317 BCArchippus
317–316 BCDemogenesDemetrius of Phalerum installed by the Macedonian regent Cassander as Governor.
316–315 BCDemocleides
315–314 BCPraxibulus
314–313 BCNikodorus
313–312 BCTheophrastusSo Diodorus Siculus (19.73); other authorities state the eponymous archon for this year was Theodorus.[58]
312–311 BCPolemonSeleucid Empire begins.
311–310 BCSimonides
310–309 BCHieromnemon
309–308 BCDemetrius
308–307 BCCaerimusAlso spelled Charinus.
307–306 BCAnaxicratesDemetrius Phalereus is expelled when Demetrius I Poliorcetes captures the city from Cassander.
306–305 BCCoroebusAntigonid dynasty begins.
305–304 BCEuxenippus
304–303 BCPherecles
303–302 BCLeostratus
302–301 BCNicocles
301–300 BCClearchus
300–299 BCHegemachus[59]
299–298 BCEuctemon
298–297 BCMnesidemus
297–296 BCAntiphates
296–295 BCNicias
295–294 BCNicostratus
294–293 BCOlympiodorus
293–292 BCOlympiodorusServing for a second time
292–291 BCPhilippus
291–290 BCCharinus (?)[60]
290–289 BCAmbrosius (?)[60]
289–288 BCAriston (?)[60]
288–287 BCCimon
287–286 BCXenophon
286–285 BCDiocles
285–284 BCDiotimus
284–283 BCIsaeus
283–282 BCEuthius
282–281 BCNiciasAttalid dynasty begins.
281–280 BCOurias
280–279 BCTelecles[61]
279–278 BCAnaxicrates
278–277 BCDemocles
277–276 BCAristonymus
276–275 BCPhilocrates
275–274 BCOlbius
274–273 BCEubulus
273–272 BCGlaucippus
272–271 BCLysitheides
271–270 BCPytharatus[62]
270–269 BCSosistratus
269–268 BCPeithidemusBeginning of the Chremonidean War; Athens declares war on Macedon, ruled by Antigonus Gonatas.
268–267 BCDiogeiton
267–266 BCMenecles
266–265 BCNicias (Otryneus)
265–264 BCEubulus
264–263 BCDiognetusDiognetus is the latest archon mentioned in the Parian Chronicle, therefore that inscription was made during his tenure.
263–262 BCAntipatrusAthens surrenders to Antigonus Gonatas in the archonship of Antipatros.[63]
262–261 BCArrheneidesAntigonus Gonatas imposes a new regime on Athens.[63]
261–260 BC[...]sinus[64]
260–259 BCPhilostratus
259–258 BCPhilinus
258–257 BCAntiphon
257–256 BCThymochares
256–255 BCAntimachus
255–254 BCCleomachus
254–253 BCPhanostratus
253–252 BCPheidostratus
252–251 BCCallimedes
251–250 BCThersilochus
250–249 BCPolyeuctus
249–248 BCHieron
248–247 BCDiomedon
247–246 BCTheophemus
246–245 BCPhiloneos
245–244 BCCydenor
244–243 BCLysiades
243–242 BCEurycleides
242–241 BCPhanomachus
241–240 BCLyceus
240–239 BCPolystratus
239–238 BCAthenodorus
238–237 BCLysias
237–236 BCAlkibiades
236–235 BCCimon
235–234 BCEcphantus
234–233 BCLysanias
233–232 BCUnknown
232–231 BCMneseides (?)
231–230 BCJason (?)
230–228 BCUnknown
228–227 BCHeliodorus
227–226 BCLeochares[65]
226–225 BCTheophilus
225–224 BCErgochares
224–223 BCNicetes
223–222 BCAntiphilus[66]
222–221 BCEuxenus
221–220 BCUnknown
220–219 BCThrasyphon[67]
219–218 BCMenecrates
218–217 BCChaerephon
217–216 BCCallimachus
216–215 BCUnknown
215–214 BCHagnias
214–213 BCDioclesFirst Macedonian War begins. (214 BC)
213–212 BCEuphiletus
212–211 BCHeracleitus
211–210 BCArchelaus
210–209 BCAeschron[68]
209–208 BCUnknown[69]
208–207 BCUnknown
207–206 BCCallistratus
206–205 BCPantiades
205–204 BCDiodotus
204–203 BCApollodorus
203–202 BCProxenides
202–201 BCDionysius
201–200 BCIsocrates[70]
200–199 BCNicophon
199–198 BC[...]ppus
198–197 BCUnknown
197–196 BCAncylus
196–195 BCPleistaenus[71]
195–194 BCUnknown
194-193 BCDionysius
193–192 BCPhanarchides
192–191 BCDiodotus
191–190 BCTimouchus
190–189 BCDemetrius
189–188 BCEuthycritus
188–187 BCSymmachus
187–186 BCTheoxenus
186–185 BCZopyrus
185–184 BCEupolemus
184–183 BCCharicles[71]
183–182 BCHermogenes
182–181 BCTimesianax
181–180 BCHippias
180–179 BCDionysius
179–178 BCMenedemus
178–177 BCPhilon
177–176 BC[...]ppus
176–175 BCHippacus
175–174 BCSonicus
174–173 BCAlexander
173–172 BCAlexis
172–171 BCSosigenes
171–170 BCAntigenes
170–169 BCAphrodisius
169–168 BCEunicus
168–167 BCXenocles
167–166 BCNicosthenes
166–165 BCAchaeus (?)[72]
165–164 BCPelops
164–163 BCEuergetes
163–162 BCErastus
162–161 BCPoseidonius
161–160 BCAristolas
160–159 BCTychandrus
159–158 BCAristaemus[73]
158–157 BCAristaechmus
157–156 BCAnthesterius
156–155 BCCallistratus
155–154 BCMnestheus
154–153 BCUnknown
153–152 BCPhaidrias
152–151 BCAndreas (?)[74]
151–150 BCZeleucus (?)[74]
150–149 BCSpeusippos (?)[74]Fourth Macedonian War begins (150 BC).
149–148 BCLysiades (?)[74]
148–147 BCArchon
147–146 BCEpicratesRome takes control of Greece

Roman period

YearEponymous archonOther officials or notable events
146–145 BCAristophantus (?)[73][74]
145–144 BCMetrophanes (?)[74]
144–143 BCTheaetetus
143–142 BCAristophon
142–141 BCMicion (?)[74]
141–140 BC[Dionysius]
140–139 BCHagnotheus
139–138 BCDiocles[75]
138–137 BCTimarchus
137–136 BCHeracleitus
136–135 BCTimarchides
135–134 BCDionysius
134–133 BCNicomachus
133–132 BCXenon
132–131 BCErgocles
131–130 BCEpicles
130–129 BCDemostratus
129–128 BCLyciscus
128–127 BCDionysius
127–126 BCTheodorides
126–125 BCDiotimus
125–124 BCJason
124–123 BCNicias (died); Isigenes
123–122 BCDemetrius
122–121 BCNicodemus
121–120 BCPhocion (?)
120–119 BCEumachus
119–118 BCHipparchus
118–117 BCLenaeus
117–116 BCMenoetes
116–115 BCSarapion
115–114 BCNausias
114–113 BC[...]raton
113–112 BCParamonus
112–111 BCDionysius
111–110 BCSosicrates
110–109 BCPolycleitus
109–108 BCJason
108–107 BCDemochares
107–106 BCAristarchus
106–105 BCAgathocles
105–104 BCAndronides (?)
104–103 BCHeracleides
103–102 BCTheocles
102–101 BCEchecrates
101–100 BCMedeiusServed as archon again in 91-90, 90-89, 89-88 BC.
100–99 BCTheodosius
99–98 BCProcles
98–97 BCArgeius
97–96 BCHeracleitus
96–95 BC[...]craton
95–94 BCTheodotus
94–93 BCCallias
93–92 BCCriton
92–91 BCMenedemus
91–90 BCMedeiusPreviously served as archon in 101-100 BC, continued in office for the next two years, probably indicating a constitutional crisis.
90–89 BCMedeius
89–88 BCMedeius
88–87 BCanarchyAthens captured by Lucius Cornelius Sulla, who reorganizes its government
87–86 BCPhilanthes
86–85 BC"Hierophant"His personal name is obscured due to hieronymy
85–84 BCPythocritus
84–83 BCNicetas
83–82 BCPammenes
82–81 BCDemetrius
81–80 BCAr[...]
80–79 BCApollodorus
79-78 BCUnknown
78–77 BCAeschraeus
77-76 BCSeleucus
76–75 BCHeracleodoros
75–74 BCAeschines
74–73 BCUnknown
73–72 BCNicetes (?)
72–71 BCUnknown
71–70 BCAristoxenus (?)
70–69 BCCriton (?)
69–67 BCUnknown
67–66 BCTheoxenus (?)
66–65 BCMedeius (?)Probably the son of Medeius, archon in 101-100, 91-90, 90-89, and 89-88 BC
65–64 BC Unknown
64-63 BCOenophilus
63-62 BC[...]ius
62–61 BCAristeius
61–60 BCTheophemus
60–59 BCHerodes[76]
59–58 BCLeucius
58–57 BCCalliphon
57–56 BCDiocles
56–55 BCCoentus
55–54 BCAristoxenus
54–53 BCZenon
53–52 BCDiodorus
52–51 BCLysander
51–50 BCLysiades
50–49 BCDemetrius
49–48 BCDemochares
48–47 BCPhilocrates
47–46 BCDiocles
46–45 BCEucles
45–44 BCDiocles
44–43 BCLeucius / Lucius of Rhamnous
43-42 BCPolycharmus
42–41 BCEuthydomus
41–40 BCNicander
40–39 BCPhilostratus
39–38 BCDiocles of Melite
38–37 BCMenander of Steiria
37–36 BCCallicratides (?)
36–35 BCAsclepiodorus
35–34 BCTheopeithes
34–33 BCApollogenes (?)
33–32 BCCleidamus
32-31 BCUnknown
31–30 BCUnknown
30–29 BCArchitemus
29–26 BCUnknownThe Roman Republic transitions into the Roman Empire upon Octavian being granted the title "Augustus" by the Roman Senate.
26–25 BCDioteimus
25–22 BCUnknown
22–21 BCApolexis
20–19 BCDemeas
19–17 BCUnknown
17-16 BCAe[...][77]
16–15 BCPythagoras[77]
15–14 BCAntiochus[77]
14–13 BCPolyaenus
13–12 BCZenon
12–11 BCLeonidas
11–10 BCTheophilus
10–9 BCNicias
9–8 BCXenon
8–7 BCApolexis son of Philocrates[78]
7–6 BCUnknown
6–5 BCNicostratus
5–4 BCCotysKing of Thrace, father of Rhoemetalces, archon of 36-37.[79]
4–3 BCAnaxagoras
3–2 BCDemochares
2–1 BCPolycharmus
1 BC–AD 1Lacon
1–2Democrates
2–3[...] of Sounium
3–4[...] of Sphettus
4–5[...]on
5–23Unknown
23–24M[...]The archons from M... to Antipater are traditionally assigned to AD 23-31, but may be up to seven years earlier than this.[80]
24–25Charm[...]
25–26Callicr[...]
26–27Pamphilus
27–28Themistocles
28–29Oenophilus
29–30Boethus
30–31[(Vipsanius) Antipa]terSon of Antipater of Phlya; father of the archon of 45-46, grandfather of the archon of ca. 75, and ancestor of the archon of ca. 110-115.[81]
31-36Unknown
36–37King Rhoemetalces Ne(oterus)King of Odrysian Thrace[82] Son of Cotys, archon of 5-4 BC.
37–38Arist[...] (?)
38-39Polycritus (?)
39-40Zen[on] (?)
40-41[...]ouius Leo[...][83]
41-45Unknown
ca. 42Ti. Claudius Lysiades the youngerPresumably son of another archon named Lysiades, ancestor of Ti. Claudius Lysiades, Demostratus, and Philippus, archons of 174-175, 180-181, and 193-194.[84]
45–46(Vipsanius) Antipater neoterusSon of the archon of 30-31, father of the archon of ca. 75, and ancestor of the archon of ca. 110-115.[85]
46–49Unknown
49–50Deinophilus
50–54Unknown
53–54Dionysodorus
54–56Unknown
56–57KononGrandfather of Flavius Sophocles, archon of 103-104.[86]
57–61Unknown
61–62Thrasyllus
62–65Unknown
64–65C. Carrinus Secundus, son of Gaius
65–66Demostratus
66-74Unknown
ca. 75(Vipsanius) Aeolion[87]Grandson of the archon of 30/1, son of the archon of 45/6, and grandfather of the archon of ca. 110-115.[88]
75–81Unknown
82-83AnarchySynchronised by Phlegon of Tralles with the consulship of Domitian and Petilus Rufus
83-84Annius [Thrasylus]?
ca. 84-90Q. Vibius Crispus
ca. 85Ti. Claudius Demostratus of SouniumExact date uncertain
87-88DomitianAs Roman Emperor
ca. 80-90L. Flavius Flammas of CydathenaeumExact date uncertain
ca. 85-90T. Flavius Leosthenes of PaeaniaExact date uncertain
91-92Q. Trebellius RufusAlso a Roman Senator and high priest of the imperial cult for Narbonese Gaul.[89]
92-93anarchy
ca. 93C. Julius Antiochus
Epiphanes Philopappus
(?)
Grandson of the last king of Commagene
ca. 94[Annius Pythod]orus
95–96Octavius Theon
96–97Octavius Proclus
97-99unknown
99–100T. Coponius Maximus of Hagnus
100–101Lucius Vibullius Hipparchus of Marathon
101–102Flavius Stratolaus
102-103Claudius Demophilus
103-104Flavius Sophocles of SouniumGrandson of Conon, archon of 56-57 or 57-58.[90]
104-105T. Flavius Alcibiades of PaeaniaSon of T. Flavius Leosthenes, archon ca. 85-90 AD[91]
105-106unknown
106-107Cassius Diogenes
107-108Flavius Euphanes
108-109G. Julius Cassius of SteiriaAncestor of Cassianus Apollonius, archon ca. 203-208, Cassianus "Sacred Herald", archon of 231-232, and Cassianus Philippus, archon of 237-238.[92]
109–110Flavius Pantaenus of GargettusBuilder of the Library of Pantainos
ca. 110-115Vipsanius Aeolion of PhlyaGrandson of (Vipsanius) Aeolion, archon ca. 75 AD.[93]
ca. 110-120Diocles of Phalerum
111–112HadrianSubsequently Roman emperor
ca. 112-115Didius Secundus of Sphettus
ca. 115Galerius Em-
116–117Flavius Macrinus of Acharnae
ca. 120Fulvius Metrodorus of Sounium
ca. 120Zopyrus son of Dionysius of Agryle
ca. 120-130D. Junius Patron of Berenicidae
ca. 125Ti. Claudius Chrysippus of Phlya
126–127Herodes AtticusAdoptive son and nephew of Vibullius Hipparchus, archon in 118/9, also builder the Panathenaic Stadium and the Odeon, and a notable sophist.[94]
127–128Memmius Peisander of Collytus
ca. 128–131Claudius Dometianus
131–132Claudius Philogenes of Besa
ca. 130-140Q. Alleius Epictetus
ca. 130-140Popillius Ligys
ca. 130-140L. ... of AnaphlystusName not preserved and date very approximate.
138–139Praxagoras Timotheus of Thoricus
139–140T. Flavius AlcibiadesSon of T. Flavius Alcibiades, archon in 104/5[95]
140–141Ti. Claudius Attalus Andragathus of SphettusOriginally of Synnada in Phrygia, also patron of the association of Dionysiac artists, priest of the Harmony of the Greeks and Zeus Eleutherius at Plataia[96]
141–142P. Aelius Phileas of Melite
142–143P. Aelius Alexander of Phalerum
143–144P. Aelius Vibullius Rufus of MarathonSon of Vibullius Hipparchus, archon in 118/9 and nephew of Herodes Atticus, archon in 126/7
144–145SullaAssignment to this year is not certain.[97]
145–146ArrianOriginally of Nicomedia, also Roman consul ca. 130, governor of Cappadocia, and historian.
146–147T. Flavius [...]The record of his name is garbled; it might have been "Tiberius Flavius Alcibiades."[98]
ca. 147–152L. Nummius "Sacred Herald" of PhalerumHis personal name is obscured due to hieronymy
150–151Aelius Ardys
152–153 or 153-154L. Nummius Menis of Phalerum
152–153 or 153-154Pompeius "Torchbearer"His personal name is obscured due to hieronymy
154–155(Aelius) Praxagoras of Melite
155–156Popillius Theotimus of Sounium
ca. 156–160Aelius Callicrates
ca. 156-160Aelius Gelos of Phalerum
156-157 or 157-158Lycomedes of Leuconoeum
157-158 or 159-160Dionysius of Leuconoeum
158–159Ti. Aurelius Philemon of Philaedae
159-160Unknown
160-161P. Aelius Themison, also called Pammenes of Azenia
161–162L. Memmius "Altar priest" of ThoricusHis personal name is obscured due to hieronymy
162-163Flavius Harpalianus of Steiria
163–164Philistides of PiraeusFather of Aristocleides, archon of 176-177 and Philistides, archon of ca. 194-200, grandfather of Aurelius Philistides, archon of ca. 225 AD.[99]
164–165'Arrius Epaphroditus
165–166Sextus of Phalerum
166–167Marcus Valerius Mamertinus of MarathonSubject of a trial before Marcus Aurelius.[100]
167–168anarchyRotoff suggests that the absence of an archon for this year, and two of the following four years, was likely due to the Antonine Plague.[101]
168–169Tineius Ponticus of Besa
169–170anarchy
170–171Tiberius Memmius Flaccus of Marathon
171–172anarchy
172–173Lucius Gellius Xenagoras of MeliteOriginally of Delphi. Father of Xenagoras, archon of ca. 213-220.[102]
173–174Veisius Piso of Melite
ca. 174–175Ti. Claudius Lysiades of MeliteDescendant of Lysiades the younger, archon ca. 42 AD, brother of Ti. Claudius Demostratus, archon of 180-181, and uncle of Ti. Claudius Philippus, archon of 193/4.[103]
175–176Claudius Heracleides of Melite
176-177Aristocleides of PiraeusSon of Philistides, archon of 163-164, brother of Philistides, archon of ca. 194-200, uncle of Aurelius Philistides, archon of ca. 225 AD.[104]
177-178 or 178-179Sallustianus Aeolion of Phyla
179-180[Scrib]onius Capito
180–181Claudius DemostratusDescendant of Lysiades the younger, archon ca. 42 AD, brother of Ti. Claudius Lysaides, archon of ca. 174-175, and father of Ti. Claudius Philippus, archon of 193/4.[105]
181-182Athenodorus of Eitea
182–183Marcus Munatius Maximianus Vopiscus of AzeniaFather of Munatius Themison, archon ca. 205.[106]
183–184Domitius Aristaeus of PaeonidaePerhaps an uncle of Domitius Arabianus, archon ca. 216-226 and thus originally from Amastris.[107]
184–185Titus Flavius Sosigenes of Pallene
185–186Philotimus son of Arcesidemus of Elaeous
186–187C. Fabius Thisbianus of MarathonProbably father of Fabius "torchbearer", archon ca. 210-211. Perhaps of Peloponesian origin.[108]
187–188Ti. Claudius Bradua AtticusSon of Herodes Atticus, archon of 126-127
188–189CommodusAlso Roman Emperor
189–190Menogenes
190–191Julius "Hierophant"His personal name is obscured due to hieronymy
191–192Gaius Pinarius Proculus of Hagnus
192–193Unknown
ca. 192-200Aelius Alexander of PhalerumBrother of Aelius Gelos, archon ca. 192-200.[109]
ca. 192-200Aelius Gelos of PhalerumBrother of Aelius Alexander, archon ca. 192-200.[110]
ca. 192-200Quintus ... of Eleusis
ca. 192-200Pompeius Alexander of Acharnae
193–194Ti. Claudius "Torchbearer"His personal name is obscured due to hieronymy, but is known from earlier sources to have been Philippus. Descendant of Lysiades the younger, archon ca. 42 AD, nephew of Ti. Claudius Lysaides, archon of ca. 174-175, and son of Ti. Claudius Demostratus, archon of 180-181.[111]
ca. 194-201Philisteides of PiraeusSon of Philistides, archon of 163-164, brother of Aristocleides, archon of ca. 176-177, uncle of Aurelius Philistides, archon of ca. 225 AD.[112]
195-196Gaius Helvidius Secundus of Pallene
ca. 195-205Flavius "Iacchagogue" of AgryleHis personal name is obscured due to hieronymy
196-197Unknown
ca. 196-206Claudius Phocas of Marathon
197-198Annius ... of SphettusUncertain
ca. 199-200Flavius Straton
197-198Xenokles (?)
198–199Titus Flavius Sosigenes Palleneus (?)
199-200Dionysodorus Eucarpon (?)
ca. 200Pomp. Hegias of Phalerum
ca. 200Aurelius Dem[...] (?)
Early 3rd cent.P. Aelius Apollonius of Pallene
ca. 200-220Claudius Apolloniarius
200-201Unknown
201-202C. Quintus Himertus of MarathonFather of Cleon, archon ca. 215-226.[113]
202-203Anarchy
203-209Unknown
ca. 203-208Gaius Cassianus Apollonius of SteiriaDescendant of Julius Cassius, archon of 108-109, cousin of Cassianus "Sacred Herald", archon of 231-232, and father of Cassianus Philippus, archon of 237-238.[114]
ca. 205M. Munatius Themison of AzeniaSon of Munatius Maximianus Vopiscus, archon of 182-183.[115]
209–210Flavius Diogenes of Marathon
ca. 210-211Fabius "Torchbearer" of MarathonHis personal name is obscured due to hieronymy, from earlier sources it is known to have been Thisbianus. Probably son of Fabius Thisbianus, archon of 186-187.[116]
ca. 210-220Aelius He[racleides?] of Steiria
210-215Unknown
ca. 212-... AgathoclesFollowing the Constitutio Antoniniana in this year, Roman citizenship and was extended to all Athenians who had not already received it, with the nomen Aurelius.
ca. 213-220L. Gellius Xenagoras of MeliteSon of Xenagoras, archon of 172-173.[117]
ca. 213-220Ti. Claudius L- of Melite
ca. 213-230Aurelius Calliphron presbyterus
215–216Aurelius Dionysius of Acharnae
216-220Unknown
ca. 216–226Domitius Arabianus of MarathonProbably Marcus Ulpius Domitius Aristaeus Arabianus, legate of Asia ca. 208-217, originally of Amastris. Perhaps a nephew of Domitius Aristaeus, archon ca. 183-184.[118]
ca. 216-226G. Quintus Cleon of MarathonSon of Himertus, archon of 201-202.[119]
ca. 216-226Ti. Claudius Patroclus of Lamptrae
220–221Philinus
ca. 220P. Pomp. Hegias of Phalerum
ca. 220-230G. Pinarius Bassus
221-222Unknown
222-223Aurelius Melpomenus
223-227Unknown
ca. 225Aurelius PhilistidesGrandson of Philistides, archon of 163-164, nephew of Philistides, archon ca. 194-201, and son of Aristocleides, archon of ca. 176-177.[120]
227-228A- ...
228-231Unknown
ca.230Marcus Ulpius Eubiotus Leurus of HypataSuffect consul sometime before his archonship, related by marriage to Emperor Pupienus.
231-232Cassianus "Sacred Herald" of SteiriaHis personal name is obscured due to hieronymy, from earlier sources we know that it was Bassus. Descendant of Julius Cassius, archon of 108-109, cousin of Cassianus Apollonius, archon ca. 203-208 and Cassianus Philippus, archon of 237-238.[121]
232-235Unknown
234–235... Epictetus of Acharnae
236-237Unknown
240–241Cas[sianus Philippus] of SteiriaDescendant of Julius Cassius, archon of 108-109, son of Cassianus Apollonius, archon ca. 203-208, cousin of Cassianus "Sacred Herald", archon of 231-232.[122]
238-240Unknown
239-240 or 240-241Flavius Asclepiades of Diomeia
240-255Unknown
ca. 240-253Aurelius Laudicianus
ca. 240-260Claudius TeresOriginally from Illyria.
ca. 250Marcus Aurelius Calliphron, also called Frontinus of GargettusFather of Cornelianus, archon ca. 260.[123]
255-256Lucius Flavius Philostratus of SteiriaPerhaps grandson of the author Philostratus
ca. 255Aurelius Dionysius of Lamptrae
ca.255P. Herennius DexippusAlso archon Basileus? Later led Athenian troops against the Heruls.
255-264Unknown
ca. 260M. Herennius Calliphron, also called Cornelianus of GargettusSon of Calliphron / Frontinus, archon ca. 250.[124]
264–265[125]Publius Licinius Egnatius GallienusAlso Roman Emperor
ca. 267-268Titus Flavius Mondon of PhlyaArchon twice and also priest of Athena Polias and the Harmony of the Greeks; he was originally from Thespiae.[126]
between 300
and 330
Constantine the Great[127][128]
between 300
and 350
Hegeias
end 4th
century
Phaedrus
386-387Hermogenes
c. 475Theagenes
484-485Nicagoras

See also

References

Further reading

  • Adkins, Lesley and Roy A. Handbook to Life in Ancient Greece New York: Oxford University Press 1997 ISBN 0-19-512491-X
  • Aristotle's Athenian Constitution
  • Develin, Robert (1989). Athenian Officials 684–321 BC. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 0-521-32880-2.
  • Dinsmoor, William Bell The Archons of Athens in the Hellenistic Age. Cambridge, 1931 (1966 reprint)
  • Dinsmoor, William Bell The Athenian Archon List in the Light of Recent Discoveries. Columbia University Press, 1939 (1974 reprint, ISBN 0-8371-4735-2)
  • Fox, Robin Lane The Classical World: An Epic History from Homer to Hadrian New York: Basic Books 2006 ISBN 0-465-02496-3
  • Hamel, Debra Athenian Generals: Military Authority in the Classical Period. Koninklijke Brill NV, 1998.
  • Graindor, Paul Chronologie des archontes athéniens sous l'Empire, Brussels, 1922 (Mémoires de l'Académie de Belgique, 4°, 1921),
  • Lacey, W. K. The Family in Classical Greece Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press 1968
  • Owens, Ron Justice and the Political Reforms of Solon, Eponymous Archon at Athens, 594–593 BC. Australian National University, 2000.
  • Rostovtzeff, Michael. Greece. 2nd.ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1963.