Antiquity · History
Pyrrhus and ancient Ambracia
Ancient Ambracia from its foundation by the Corinthians to the capital of Pyrrhus.
- Founded
- 625 BC, Corinthian colony
- Pyrrhus's capital
- 294 BC
- Roman conquest
- 146 BC
- Remains
- Small theatre, temple of Apollo, walls
Ancient Ambracia was founded as a colony of the Corinthians in the 7th century BC (the municipality's guide gives 625 BC), and the area had been settled since the 9th century BC.
Pyrrhus
In 294 BC Pyrrhus, king of the Molossians and of Epirus, received the city and made it his capital. He used it as a base against Rome and adorned it with a palace, temples and theatres.
Roman era and today
In 146 BC Ambracia became part of the Roman Republic. From the ancient city survive the ruins of the temple of Apollo Pythios Soter, the small theatre and remains of the walls, while the finds are shown in the Archaeological Museum.