Her background has been the subject of considerable debate and speculation by historians. It is not known if she was born an Athenian citizen, a metic, or a slave, and different opinions have been put forward to support either theory.
Archippe "was thoroughly conversant with the [banking] business; she had access to the bank's records, and detailed knowledge of its complex operations" and was evidently involved in his business.[1]
When Pasion died in 370 BC,[2] Archippe married Phormion in order to keep the bank in the family.[3] Reportedly, she destroyed some of the bank records in order to protect Phormion and the business.[4]
Archippe had two sons with Pasion: Apollodorus and Pasikles.[5]