Founding of Nicopolis: What Happened
Around 29 BC, the victorious Octavian, soon to become the emperor Augustus, founded a new city on the site where his army had camped before the Battle of Actium, on the peninsula north of the Ambracian Gulf near modern Preveza. He named it Nicopolis, meaning City of Victory, to commemorate his triumph over Antony and Cleopatra. To populate it, people from surrounding towns in Epirus, Acarnania and Aetolia were moved into the new city, some by force. Augustus built a large victory monument on the hill where his tent had stood, decorated with the bronze rams of captured enemy warships, and dedicated it to Apollo and to Neptune and Mars. He also reorganized the local Actian Games in honor of Apollo, held every four years and ranked alongside the great ancient festivals. Nicopolis grew into the most important city of western Greece. In the early 2nd century AD, the Stoic philosopher Epictetus ran his school there, and according to Paul's letter to Titus, the apostle planned to spend a winter at Nicopolis. Its extensive ruins can still be visited today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Nicopolis?
Nicopolis, meaning City of Victory, was a city founded by Octavian, later Augustus, around 29 BC to celebrate his victory at Actium over Antony and Cleopatra.
Where is Nicopolis?
Nicopolis is on the peninsula north of the Ambracian Gulf, near modern Preveza in western Greece. Its extensive ruins can be visited today.
What were the Actian Games?
The Actian Games were a festival held every four years at Nicopolis in honor of Apollo. Augustus reorganized them, and they were ranked alongside the great ancient games.
What is the Augustus victory monument at Nicopolis?
Augustus built a monument on the hill where his tent had stood before Actium, decorated with bronze rams from captured enemy warships.
Who lived in Nicopolis?
The Stoic philosopher Epictetus ran his school at Nicopolis in the early 2nd century AD. According to the New Testament, Paul the Apostle planned to spend a winter there.
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