Amphipolis was a town of Macedonia, on the river Strymon, about three miles from the sea. The river flowed almost round the town, nearly forming a circle, giving rise to the name Amphi-polis ("around" the "city"). Taken by the Athenians in 437 BC it fell into the hands of Philip of Macedonia in 353 BC; and afterwards, under the Romans, became the capital of their four Macedonian provinces.