Zacynthus and the Western Peloponnese: Between the Achaean Hellenistic Koinon and Roman Expansion into Greece

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to delve into the history of Hellenistic Zacynthus, with a particular focus on the period spanning from the late 3rd century to the early 2nd century BCE. Situated strategically between Italy and the Adriatic on one side, and the Peloponnese and the Aegean Sea on the other, the island was disputed among various political entities, i.e. Macedon, Rome, and the Achaean Koinon. Despite limited historical evidence—comprising archaeological findings, epigraphic records, numismatic evidence, and literary texts—this study aims to elucidate Zacynthian ties to the Peloponnese and challenge the prevailing notion that the island's interests were solely directed towards the central Mediterranean from the 4th century onwards.