NICOPOLIS (city in Acarnania)
Ancient city founded by Augustus after the battle of Actium
Nicopolis is located on the Ambracian Gulf, near Actium and the harbour of Comarus. Pausanias 5.23.3 The Actian games are held in Nicopolis in honor of Apollo Actius. Strabo 17.1.10 An amphitheatre and a stadium are situated within the city, and a sacred enclosure with a gymnasium and stadium exists in its suburbs. Strabo 17.1.10
Described in the sources
Nicopolis was a member of the Amphictyonic League and sends six deputies to the Amphictyonic council. Pausanias 10.8.4 +1 Nicopolis is described as well-peopled and continuously improving, with numerous sea-facing buildings comparable to a full city. Strabo 17.1.10 +1 The city is described as a free city. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 4.2 ¶1 A gulf near Nicopolis still retains the city's name. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 5.43 ¶2 Anactorium functions as a market town for Nicopolis. Strabo 10.2.2 Most or all of the listed Acarnanian cities depend on Nicopolis. Strabo 10.2.2 Part of the sacred enclosure is dedicated to Apollo on rising ground. Strabo 7.7.6 The city was named after Augustus's victory over Antony and Cleopatra. Strabo 7.7.6 The smaller Taposeiris is situated on the narrow strip of land next to Nicopolis. Strabo 17.1.16 The city lies approximately twelve stadia from a larger, better harbour near the gulf's mouth. Strabo 7.7.5
Gods and worship
The Lacedaemonians supervise the Actian games. Strabo 7.7.6
Stories and history
Augustus founded the city of Nicopolis after defeating Antony and his supporters at Actium. Pausanias 10.38.4 +2 The city possesses a large territory. Strabo 7.7.6 It is adorned with spoils taken from war. Strabo 7.7.6 Surrounding settlements are dependent on Nicopolis. Strabo 7.7.6 The city still exists and is well populated at the time of writing. Strabo 12.3.28 Augustus Caesar forced Antony to commit suicide following the defeat here. Strabo 17.1.10 Caesar conferred greater honors on the Actian games than previously given. Strabo 7.7.6 Augustus Caesar compelled Cleopatra to surrender herself alive at this place. Strabo 17.1.10 Augustus founded the city by gathering inhabitants from other deserted towns. Strabo 7.7.6 The place was distinguished by Augustus Caesar due to the military victory there. Strabo 17.1.10