Peloponnesus
Coins| of |Peloponnesos for |sale in the |Forum |Ancient |Coins |shop. Babelon, E. Trait des Monnaies Grecques et Romaines. (Paris, 1901-1932). The history of the coinage of the Peloponnesus, regarded as a whole, may be summed up in a few words. From the age of Pheidon of Argos down to the Persian wars the only coins generally current in Peloponnesus were on the north coast the Corinthian Pegasos staters, elsewhere the staters of Aegina. In the interior the Arcadian triobols served the purpose of small change. The Aeginetic standard continued to be everywhere prevalent in Peloponnesus. The splendid and varied series of Elis does not begin before the close of the period of archaic art (circ. B.C. 471). Between the Persian and Peloponnesian wars we note an increase in the number of Arcadian mints, Cleitor, Heraea, Mantineia, Pallantium, Paroreia, and Psophis all issuing small silver coins in addition to the money of the Arcadian League. In the next period, B.C. 430-370, the Arcadian Federal money is entirely superseded by the local issues of the various Arcadian cities. The place occupied of old by the Aeginetic stater is now filled by the beautiful staters of Elis, Sicyon, and Argos. With the restoration of Messene and the renewal, under Theban auspices of the Arcadian Confederation, B.C. 370, Messene and Megalopolis were added to the now considerable number of Peloponnesian mints. After B.C. 322, when Peloponnesus had for the most part fallen under Macedonian dominion, the greater number of the Peloponnesian towns ceased to strike silver in their own names, and between B.C. 280 and 146 the Federal coinage of the Achaean League became little by little the chief currency in Peloponnesus, the types and style of which the few mints which held aloof from the League tended more and more to imitate. With the constitution of the Roman Province in B.C. 146, all silver money (except perhaps at Patrae) was put an end to. Bronze coins continued, however, to be issued at many towns. As a rule the Imperial coinage is confined to the time of Sept. Severus and his family. PHLIASIAPhlius, in N.E. Peloponnesus, was situated at a point commanding three narrow valleys through which flowed the tributary head-streams of the R. Asopus. At the junction of these valleys was a fortified summit, Τρικαρανον. The following staters of Euboc weight, formerly assigned to Phaselis in Lycia (Hist. Num., 1st ed., p. 579), are attributed by J. P. Six (Num. Chron., 1888, p. 97) to Phlius. The triskeles, he thinks, is an indication of the geographical conformation of the territory of the city.
The incuse on the reverse is of the early Aeginetic rather than of the Euboc pattern, and the fact that all the later coins of Phlius are of Aeginetic weight is sufficient to show that the commercial relations of Phlius were more intimate with Aegina than with Athens or Euboea. Cf. the stater of Aegina (?) with the Phliasian (?) triskeles on the reverse (see Aegina, p. 397). The next series of Phliasian coins dates from the latter part of the fifth century B.C.
Circ. B.C. 430-322.
In the center of the wheel there is usually a pellet enclosed in a circle, which may symbolize the omphalos, a sacred stone at Phlius, which the inhabitants, with unaccountable ignorance of distances, affirmed to be the center of Peloponnesus (Paus. ii. 13, 3). The hemidrachms and smaller coins are uninscribed, but bear on the reverse a large Φ instead of the wheel, sometimes accompanied by pellets or bunches of grapes. The types of the Phliasian coins remained unchanged down to the time of the Macedonian conquest, circ. B.C. 322, except that on the latest class the Φ on the reverse is encircled with an ivy-wreath. After B.C. 322 the coinage of Phlius comes to an end. The bronze coins of the fourth century for the most part resemble the silver, but on some specimens the bull on the obverse is replaced by a head of Athena or of Zeus. See also Achaean League.
Imperial of Severus, Domna, Caracalla, and Geta. Types: Artemis
huntress, Herakles standing, Asklepios, Tyche sacrificing.
SICYONIA[Annali di Corrispondenza archeologica, 1830, p. 336; BMC Peloponnesus; Lambros, Pelop., 34 ff. ; Babelon, Trait, pp. 816 ff.] Sicyon, during the period of its greatest prosperity, consisted of an acropolis about two miles from the Corinthian Gulf, a lower town at its foot, and a port-town. The large number of its coins still extant sufficiently attests the ancient wealth and commercial importance of the city. It does not appear to have struck many coins before the Persian wars, nor indeed does its money become plentiful much before B.C. 400, but from this time down to the Roman conquest (B.C. 146) the Sicyonian mint would seem to have been the most prolific in the whole of Peloponnesus.
Circ. B.C. 400 or earlier to circ. B.C. 323.
Without Incuse Square.
FIG. 222.
GOLD.
The two following gold coins (wt. c. 47 grs.), if they are genuine, which is very doubtful, must be assigned to this period :
BRONZE. Circ. B.C. 323-251.
The bronze coins of Sicyon are numerous. Some of them certainly belong to the latter part of the fourth century and to the first half of the third century B.C. Weil (Z. f. N., vii. 376) would attribute them to an earlier period, because some of them bear on the reverse the letters ΕΥ which he believes to stand for Euphron, one of the tyrants of Sicyon, shortly after B.C. 368.
Circ. B.C. 251-146.
Later in style than these Alexandrine tetradrachms are the following series of Aeginetic triobols (or Attic tetrobols) and bronze :
Among the magistrates names the following occur:ΑΙΝΕΙΑΣ, ΑΛΕΞΙΩΝ, ΑΜΕΙΝΙΑΣ, ΑΝΔΡΩΝΙΔΑΣ, ΘΡΑΣΥΚΛΗΣ, ΚΛΕΑΝΔΡΟΣ, ΛΥΔΙΑΔΑΣ, ΞΕΝΟΤΙΜΟΣ, ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΔΑΣ, ΠΟΛΥΚΡΑΤΗΣ, ΠΡΟ- ΜΑΧΙΔΑΣ, ΣΩΣΙΚΡΑΤΗΣ.
From the late style of these coins it seems certain that they are autonomous issues struck for local use after B.C. 251, in which year Sicyon joined the Achaean League. They are consequently contemporary with her silver and bronze money of the Federal types. See p. 417. Concerning the coins of Sicyon, Leake remarks (Num Hell., p. 95) that the change from ΣΕΚΥΩΝ or ΣΕΙΚΥΩΝ to ΣΙΚΥΩΝ occurred about the time of Alexander the Great. The bird is probably the rock pigeon, great numbers of which still inhabit the cliffs that surround the ancient site. They were perhaps sacred to Apollo or Aphrodite, whose temple was one of the principal edifices of Sicyon, and in which there was a seated statue of the goddess by Canachus (Paus. ii. 10). The Σ, which so frequently occurs as a coin type, was the device of the city, and was placed by the Sicyonians on their shields (Xen. Hell. iv. 4). The use of the initial letter as a blazon was common in the Peloponnesus. Cf. on coins, Argos, Heraea, Epidaurus, Cleonae, etc. and for shields, Lacedaemon and Messene. Imperial coins exist from Nero to Geta. Inscr., CΙΚΥΩΝΙΩΝ. Types, various; the most remarkable is a representation of a tomb (cf. Paus. ii. 7, 2). The coin shows a small distyle temple on a rock, flanked by two tall terminal figures, and by two cypress trees. Another coin has for type a Maenad in attitude of frenzy, holding a sword and a bunch of grapes, perhaps one of the Maenads in the temple of Dionysos at Sicyon mentioned by Pausanias (ii. 7. 5). Another very frequent type is a naked Apollo with hands raised, holding a long fillet. There also occur on Imperial coins of Sicyon figures of Aphrodite and Eros, of Dionysos, of Pan, of Artemis Pheraea (Paus. ii. 10. 7), of Demeter, of Tyche Ακραια (Paus. ii. 7. 5), of Apollo Kitharoedos (Z. f. N., xxiv. p. 60), &c. ACHAIAAegae was one of the most ancient cities in Peloponnesus. Its coins, the oldest of which must be as early as B.C. 500, are triobols of the Aeginetic standard. The goat is clearly a type parlant, as at Aegae in Macedon, Aegeira, Aegospotami, etc. The town gradually fell into decay, and was destroyed circ. B.C. 370, when its coinage ceased. For illustrations see Zeit. f. Num., v. Pl. I; BMC Peloponnesus, Pl. IV; and Babelon, Trait, Pl. XXXVII. Cf. Imhoof MG, p. 157, who, how- ever, attributes the coins to Aegium.
Circ. B.C. 480-370.
Aegeira. To this town, which stood between Aegae and Pellene, the inhabitants of the former place removed when it fell into decay (BMC Peloponnesus, Pl. IV. 7-11).
For Federal coins see Achaean League, p. 417.
After B.C. 351.
Imperial, Severus, Domna, Geta, and Plautilla. Inscr., ΑΙΓЄΙΡΑΤΩΝ, rarely ΑΙΓΙΡΑΤΩΝ. Types, Zeus seated; Nike; Artemis huntress. (Cf. Paus. vii. 26. 2.) Aegium, the chief political and religious center of Achaia, and the meeting-place of the delegates of the various cities which composed the League. With the exception of the federal money (p. 417), bronze coins only are known, unless the silver coins described under Aegae belong, as Imhoof thinks (Imhoof MG, p. 157), to this town. After B.C. 146.
Also of Imperial times, without or with heads of Emperors, Hadrian to Geta. Inscr., ΑΙΓΙЄΩΝ. Types numerous. (See Imhoof and Gardner, Paus., Pl. R.) Among those of interest are the following:ΖЄΥC ΠΑΙC, the boy Zeus as above, copied from the archaic statue of Zeus as a boy at Aegium by Ageladas (Paus. vii. 24. 4; N. C., 1902, Pl. XV. 13). Asklepios seated before altar, round which a serpent coils, in ex. ΑCΓ (= 3 Assaria) Marcus Aurelius. Another coin of M. Aurelius, also with ΑCΓ, has on the reverse the archaic temple of Eileithyia with two long torches standing in front of it (Paus. vii. 23. 5). The following smaller coins are half obols in bronze :
The type of this coin alludes to a local myth, which told how Zeus in the form of a dove seduced the nymph Phthia (Athenaeus, ix. p. 395; Aelian, Var. Hist., i. 15). ΗΜΙΟΒЄΛΙΝ is a variant of ημιωβολιον (J. H. S., 1897, p. 83).
This type is explained by Strabo viii. p. 387 ιστορουσι δ ενταυθα και τον Δια υπ αιγος τραφηναι καθαπερ φησι και Αρατος. Bura, destroyed by an earthquake B.C. 373, but subsequently rebuilt, joined the Achaean League B.C. 275, but none of its federal coins have as yet been found. Imperial, of Severus and his family. Inscr., ΒΟΥΡΑЄWΝ and ΒΟΥΡЄΑΤWΝ. Types: Herakles holding club, perhaps a copy of the statue of Herakles Βουραικος in the oracular cavern, sacred to Herakles, between Bura and the Corinthian Gulf. Temple on hill, at foot of which a portico containing a statue of Herakles (?) (Paus. vii. 25). Eileithyia facing, holding torch. Demeter seated facing, &c. (Hunter Cat., Pl. XXXVII. 22). Dyme, the most western city of Achaia, bordering upon Elis, struck small silver and bronze coins circ. B.C. 350 (Zeit. f. Num., vii. 366). Inscr., ΔΥ or ΔΥΜΑ.
Circ. B.C. 146 or later.
For other varieties, and for coins struck at Dyme as a Roman colony, reading C. I. D. or C. I. A. DVM. (Colonia Julia Augusta Dumaeorum), J. Caesar to Tiberius, sometimes with names of the Duumviri quinquennales followed by the formula EX. D. D. (ex decreto decurionum), see Imhoof MG, p. 162 sqq. See also Federal Coins, p. 417. Helice, the most ancient of all the cities of Achaia, was totally destroyed in the earthquake of B.C. 373, when its territory was incorporated with that of Aegium. The following bronze coin can hardly have been struck long before the destruction of the city.
Circ. B.C. 373.
At this city was a famous temple of Poseidon, called Helikonios, to whose anger the destruction of the town was attributed (Num. Chron., 1861, p. 216). Patrae, originally known under the name of Aro, was a port on the Corinthian Gulf between Aegium and Dyme. As a member of the Achaean League from B.C. 280 it issued silver coins (p. 417), but apparently none of bronze. After the dissolution of the League it appears to have been allowed to retain the exceptional privilege of striking money both in silver and bronze.
Among other types are the following, bearing the names of various magistrates in full :
It was at Patrae that M. Antonius passed the winter before the battle of Actium, B.C. 32-31, and it must have been on this occasion that coins were struck at Patrae with the portrait of Cleopatra, rev. Head-dress of Isis. After the battle of Actium, Augustus established a colony at Patrae, which continued to strike money until the time of Gordian III, Inscr. C. A. A. Ρ. (Colonia Augusta Aro Patrensis). Among the remark- able types are copies of the statue of Artemis Laphria, with her dog beside her, by Menaechmus and Soidas, in the temple of that goddess at Patrae. This statue was transported to Patrae by Augustus from Aetolia. Pausanias (vii. 18. 6) thus describes it, σχημα του αγαλματος θηρευουσα εστιν ελεφαντος δε και χρυσου πεποιηται. A coin of Nero shows the hound, bow, and quiver of the goddess, with the inscr. DEANAI AVGVSTAI (Imhoof, in Rev. Suisse, xiv. Pl. VI. 15). In honor of this goddess a splendid festival was celebrated at Patrae, in which, as Pausanias tells us, the priestess of the goddess, a maiden drawn in a biga of stags, closed the festal procession. This type occurs on coins of M. Aurelius. Another statue mentioned by Pausanias (vii. 20. 5), which is copied on coins of Commodus, is that of Asklepios. Other types show Hermes seated on a rock, with a ram before him, perhaps copied from a statue at Corinth (Paus. ii. 3. 4). The following topographical type is also worthy of remark: Plan of the town and harbor of Patrae; above, three temples; below, a statue on a pedestal. This type is varied on coins of Gordian, where we see a colossal statue in the center of the harbor, galleys within the port, and several small buildings over it. Pellene, the most eastern town in Achaia, struck silver and bronze coins in the latter half of the fourth century.
Apollo Theoxenios was the god chiefly worshipped at Pellene, εστι και Απολλωνος Θεοξενιου Πελληνευσιν ιερον το δε αγαλμα χαλκου πεποιηται (Paus. vii. 27). Pellene became a member of the Achaean League about B.C. 274 (see p. 417). On the Imperial coins (Severus and family), inscr. ΠΕΛΛΗΝЄΩΝ, are figures of Dionysos Lampter (Paus. l. c.), standing naked with kantharos and thyrsos; of Apollo with bow; and of Artemis with torch and bow (Paus. l. c.): πλησιον δε του Απολλωνος ναος εστιν Αρτεμιδος, τοξευουσης δε η θεος παρεχεται σχημα. ACHAEAN LEAGUE[Leicester Warren, Greek Federal Coinage, London, 1863; Lambros, P., Zeitschrift fr Numismatik, 1875, p. 160; Weil, R., Zeit. f. Num., 1882, p. 199; Clerk, M. G., Coins of the Achaean League, 1895.]
B.C. 370-360.
The head of Artemis on the above-described beautiful stater is apparently Peloponnesian in style (cf. the contemporary staters of Stymphalus), and the reverse type of Zeus seems to have been suggested by the seated Zeus on the early Arcadian coins. The attribution of these coins to the Achaeans of Phthiotis, proposed by Gardner (BMC Thessaly, xxix), is therefore open to grave doubt.
Circ. B.C. 280-146.
It was not, however, until the reorganization of the League in B.C. 280, when Patrae and Dyme succeeded in throwing off the yoke of the Macedonians, that the plentiful coinage, which for about 130 years formed the staple of the currency of Peloponnesus, regularly commenced. Gradually, as town after town was brought within the political union, the circle of federal mints went on widening, each town on its admission to the League agreeing to adopt a uniform coinage, not only in silver, but also in bronze; for identity of laws, weights, measures, and coinage was, as Polybius (ii. 37) informs us, imposed by the central authorities upon all the members of the Confederation: οστε μη μονον συμμαχικην και φιλικην κοινωνιαν γεγονεναι πραγματων περι αυτους, αλλα και νομοις χρησθαι τοις αυτοις και σταθμοις και μετροις και νομισμασι, κ.τ.λ. The types of the federal silver coin were as follows :
FIG. 223.
It is upon these symbols, &c., that the classification to particular cities is with more or less probability based. The bronze coinage is historically much more important than the silver, since it offers the name of each city in full, preceded by the name of the Achaeans collectively, e. g. ΑΧΑΙΩΝ ΚΟΡΙΝΘΙΩΝ, &c. Types as follows :
On one side is the name Of the city, on the other a local magistrate's name, nearly always at full length. Zeus Amarios (Strab. 385), called Homagyrios by Pausanias, and Demeter Panachaia were the protecting divinities of the League. Their temples stood side by side at Aegium, where the central assembly held its meetings, εφεξης δε τω Ομαγυριω Διι Παναχαιας εστι Δημητρος (Paus. vii. 24. 2). The towns which took part in this federal currency were about forty- three in number. The probable date B.C. of admission to the League is added wherever I have been able to ascertain it.
In Achaia.
In Argolis.
In Arcadia.
In Elis.
In Messenia.
In Laconia.
ACHAIA (Roman Province)The only Imperial coins of the Roman Province of Achaia which call for special notice are the following, which belong rather to the class of dedicatory medallions than to the ordinary currency, although it is possible that they also circulated as money. It was no unusual thing for wealthy individuals to undertake, on behalf of their native cities, the entire expenses of religious festivals, games, dedications of temples, or other solemnities, in return for municipal honours of various kinds. The sums paid into the local exchequer by such public benefactors, when issued in the form of coin, frequently bore the name of the donor in the nominative case, together with his honorary title and the verb ανεθηκε, followed by the name of the city or province in the dative or genitive. Such dedicatory pieces are not uncommon in Asia Minor, but in Europe they are very rarely met with. The following examples were struck at Corinth by Hostilius Marcellus, the priest of the cultus of the deified Antinos, and by him dedicated to the Achaeans and Corinthians :
ΟCΤΙΛΙΟC ΜΑΡΚЄΛΛΟC Ο ΙЄΡЄΥC ΤΟΥ ΑΝΤΙΝΟΟΥ Bust of
Antinos.
Rev., ΤΟΙC ΑΧΑΙΟΙC ΑΝЄΘΗΚЄΝ Antinos as Hermes leaning on
terminal figure, or as Bellerophon taming Pegasos (Mion., ii. 160.
97, 98).
Another, but with ΚΟΡΙΝΘΙΩΝ ΑΝЄΘΗΚЄΝ.
Rev. Type, Helios in biga (Mion., ii. 180. 239).
ELIS[Gardner, P., N. C., 1879, 221; BMC Peloponnesus; Wroth, N. C., 1892, 11; Bibliogr., N. C., 1898, 328; 1899, 254; 1900, 365; Z. f. N., vii. 110; xix. 204; xxi. 209; B. C. H., iv. 43, and Kekule, Bonner Stud., 1890, 40; Babelon, Trait, pp. 879 sqq.]FIGS. 224, 225. The beautiful silver coins of Elis, of the Aeginetic standard, form a series which, for the variety of treatment and the high artistic ability which it displays, is excelled by no other class of coins in European Greece. There are no coins of Elis which apparently belong to the period of archaic art before the Persian wars, for the Eleians down to B.C. 471 were not collected into a single city (Diod. xi. 154); Babelon, however (Trait, p. 899), sees in this fact no reason why coins should not have been struck in their name at an earlier date. From about B.C. 471 until Elis became dependent upon Macedon after the Lamian war, B.C. 322, the silver staters of Elis form an almost unbroken series. On the earliest specimens the reverse type is in an incuse circle (Figs. 224, 225). Towards the middle of the fifth century a square takes the place of the circle, but not for long, for the circular incuse is reverted to before B.C. 421, and gradually fades off into a slightly concave field during the fourth century. The inscriptions are FΑ, FΑΛΕΟΝ or FΑΛΕΙΟΝ variously abbreviated, and in one instance ΟΛVΝΠΙΚΟΝ, clearly indicating an intimate connection between the coinage and the Olympic games. Babelon (Trait, p. 887) would date the last-mentioned coin as early as, if not earlier than, B.C. 500. The whole land of Elis was sacred to the Olympian Zeus, and the symbols of this god, the Thunderbolt, and the Eagle with a tortoise, a serpent, a hare, or other animal in his claws, the well-known omen of victory sent by Zeus, Διος τερας αιγιοχοιο (Il. xii. 211), form the constant
FIGS. 226, 227. types of the coins of Elis from about B.C. 471-421 (Figs. 226, 227). Other varieties in this period exhibit Nike in various attitudes, running to crown a victor in the games, standing with the sacred fillet in her hand, or seated on a basis, with spread wings and holding palm, fillet, or wreath in her hand. This type is one of the finest compositions in
FIG. 228. Greek numismatic art (Fig. 228). The types of the obverses and the fabric of the pieces connect them with the series ending circ. B.C. 421. To this period of transition from archaic to finest art I am inclined to think should also be assigned the rare coins bearing the figure of the Olympian Zeus standing wielding his thunderbolt and holding on his outstretched arm his eagle, inscr. ΟΛVΝΠΙΚΟΝ (Lambros, Pl. V. 5; Z. f. N., xix. 204 ff), or seated with eagle and sceptre (Lambros, No. 6). Various highly decorative and fanciful designs of thunderbolts (Fig. 227) can be proved also to be contemporary with the types above-mentioned, by the fact that they are frequently combined with the same obverse dies (N. C., 1892, 12). The later series of the period, ending about B.C. 421, are as follows :
The fabric of the coins of this series is peculiar. The flans, before striking, were evidently cast together in a mold consisting of a number of circular chambers connected by a passage for the silver to run through from one to another.
On the reverse of these staters the olive-wreath surrounding the type, henceforth very prevalent, makes its first appearance.
FIG. 229.
On the drachm the Eagles head is sometimes accompanied by a Lizard (cf. Frazer, Paus., iv. 5). The smallest divisions of this series have the simple mark of value Τ (= Tetartemorion), in place of a type, on the reverse. A stater in Sir H. Webers Coll. has the eagles head on a convex shield and a large incuse F as countermark. Cf. the shield series described above.
Circ. B.C. 421-400.
The first introduction of the head of Hera as a coin-type is sup- posed by Gardner (op. cit.) to have taken place both at Elis and Argos about the time of the alliance contracted, circ. B.C. 420, between Elis, Argos, and Mantineia. But, although it is quite conceivable that in the worship of Hera the Argives and Eleians may have found a bond of union, which they expressed upon their respective coinages, we must not attach too much importance to political considerations as influencing coin-types in this period.
FIG. 230. A somewhat earlier head than that of Hera (cf. the older type of fulmen on the reverse) is the powerful and severe head of Zeus (Fig. 230) (BMC Peloponnesus, Pl. XII. 10). The smaller denominations which apparently belong to this stater are the following :
The series which I would place next in chronological order is that which is distinguished by the noble head of Hera on the obverse and by a more realistic type of fulmen on the reverse :
FIG. 231.
It is instructive to compare the bold and large treatment of the features of the goddess on the coins of this series with the weaker, if more delicate, work which characterizes the coins with the same head struck some years later. The period ending about B.C. 400 also includes the following highly interesting specimens.
FIG. 232. The head of the Olympian Zeus on these coins is softer and more ornate in style than the large and more severe conception of the same god (BMC Peloponnesus, Pl. XII. 10) noticed above. It is no less distinguishable from the Zeus-heads which follow it, first, by the smooth and flowing beard instead of the crisp and curly one which characterizes the coins of Arcadia (B.C. 370), and secondly, by the large-leaved wreath which encircles the head and dominates the brow, while the wreath on the later coins is comparatively inconspicuous and often half-hidden in masses of hair. The head of the nymph Olympia, accompanied by her name ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑ, is easily distinguished from that of Hera by her head-dress. The Eleians in the choice of this type perhaps intended to emphasize their claim to the sole administration of the Olympic games. On the following series a similar head of Olympia occupies the obverse instead of the reverse.
It is also to the close of the period ending about B.C. 400 that I would ascribe the fine Hera-head on the following stater. In style (though it is difficult to compare a female head with a male one) it strongly resembles the head of Zeus above described (ibid., Pl. XIII. 1).
Circ. B.C. 400-365.
During the next half-century there are fewer varieties of coin-types. Hera seems to be the only divinity represented, and the predominant type is a more feminine rendering of the bold and large-featured head of the same goddess on the coins of the previous period.
This is the last series of Eleian staters on which the wreath of wild olive surrounds the reverse type, although it recurs on small coins of a much later period. Note also the first occurrence of Ω for Ο not earlier than B.C. 400.
Circ. B.C. 365-323
In the year B.C. 364 the Pisatans, under the protection of the Arcadians, succeeded in wresting from the Eleians the presidency of the Olympic games, and struck on that occasion some small gold coins (see Pisa) with a head of Zeus similar in style to that on the coins of Elis of the last period. Elis, however, before the next festival, was again in a position to assert her supremacy, and from this time down to the Macedonian conquest issued, as occasion required, silver staters bearing on the obverse heads of Zeus. Stylistically these heads differ very considerably from those above described. At first they closely resemble the ideal Zeus-head on the fine coins of the newly founded Arcadian κοινον; cf. the thick and curly beard, and luxurious growth of hair streaming downwards from the temples over the back of the neck in grand wave-like fashion and high relief, which throws into the background the laurel-wreath, hitherto the predominant emblem of the kingship of Zeus. This new and more leonine type of Zeus-head was henceforth universally adopted through- out the Hellenic world (cf. the coins of Philip of Macedon, Alexander of Epirus, &c.) as the final and perfect expression of an almighty god, father and king of gods and men. No further improvement on this noble conception of the head of the supreme deity was possible. It thus became conventional and a type to be copied by successive die-engravers, who, little by little, became more and more careless in workmanship, content with roughly reproducing its most salient feature.
FIG. 233. The earliest and finest examples of this new conception of the head of Zeus on coins of Elis are the following :
The later and inferior examples (BMC Peloponnesus, Pl. XV. 1-3, 7, 8) have on the reverse F A and an eagle with closed wings, sometimes standing on a capital of column or rams head, &c., and with various symbols and letters in the field :fulmen, coiled serpent and ΔΙ (Fig. 234); fulmen, coiled serpent and Η; coiled serpent and ΑΡ; fulmen, wreath, and ΑΡΙ, &c. These coins are all more or less degenerate in style, but it is questionable whether their issue extended beyond the beginning of the Macedonian dominion, B.C. 323. Those reading ΑΡΙ are attributed by Gardner to the tyrant Aristotimus, B.C. 272-271; but this conjecture is disputed by Lbbecke (Z. f. N., xvii. 6) and Lambropoulos (Coins found at Mycenae, p. 22), who suggest that the letters ΑΡΙ may stand for an officina of a mint, as they occur also on contemporary coins of Argos, and of Corinth. All three cities may have had their money struck at one mint.
FIG. 234.
Circ. B.C. 323-312.
If any coins were struck at Elis during this period of Macedonian supremacy, they will probably be identified among the Alexandrine tetradrachms with symbol, fulmen (cf. Mller, Nos. 894-5).
Circ. B.C. 312-191.
On the expulsion of Telesphorus, the general of Antigonus, Elis recovered her autonomy and renewed the issue of silver coins, but either on a debased or on a different coin-standard which is identical with that of the coins of the Achaean League.
The first of these coins is a curious reversion to an ancient type long fallen into disuse. The same type of fulmen occurs on late of Lacedaemon.
BRONZE COINAGE. B.C. 323-191.
It is improbable that Elis issued bronze coins much before Macedonian times. The following types are chiefly subsequent to B.C. 312. Obv. Head of Zeus or of Hera. Rev. F A Eagle, Free horse, Zeus hurling fulmen, Fulmen in wreath (BMC Peloponnesus, Pls. XV. 13-16 and XVI. i; Wroth, N. C., 1905, p. 334).
Circ. B.C. 191-146.
In B.C. 191 Elis was compelled by the Achaeans, much against her will, to join their League (p. 418, supra).
Circ. B.C. 146-43.
With the Roman conquest the series of the silver coins of Elis comes to an end, but the town still continued to issue bronze money of base style.
Imperial Times.
Hadrian to Caracalla. Inscr., ΗΛΕΙΩΝ or ΗΛΕΙWΝ. The following types deserve especial mention. Hadrian, rev., Figure of Zeus Olympios seated on throne, holding Nike, and resting on sceptre. Hadrian, rev., Head of Zeus Olympios (Gardner, Types of Gk. Coins, Pl. XV. 18 and 19). There can be no doubt that these two remarkable coins are copies of the head, and of the entire statue, of the world-renowned chryselephantine Zeus of Pheidias at Olympia, and moreover that they are the most faithful copies of this masterpiece which have been handed down to us (cf. Gardner, Coins of Elis, p. 47 sq., and J. H. S., 1908, p. 48 sq.). Hadrian, rev., River-god Alpheios reclining, holding in his right hand a wreath and in his left a reed, at his feet a prize crown containing a palm. It was on the banks of this river that the Olympian games were solemnized, to which the palm in a prize crown here alludes. Aphrodite riding on goat. Dionysos to front holding rhyton and thyrsos, between panther and tympanum (Imhoof and Gardner, Num. Comm. on Paus., 73, 74). Goddess (Olympia ?) standing; holding eagle and olive-branch, between two recumbent river-gods (Z. f. N., xxiv. Pl. III. 1). Pisa. The ancient city of Pisa, a little to the east of Olympia, had been destroyed by the Eleians in B.C. 572, but the descendants of its former inhabitants continued to be distinguished as Pisatans, and in B.C. 364 the Arcadians determined to restore to them their ancient right of presiding over the Olympic games. This attempt proved successful on the occasion of the 104th Olympiad. The Pisatans then seized the temple treasures, and converted them into coin for the payment of troops. A few specimens of this money, which is of gold, have been preserved (R. Weil, Pisa, Z. f. N., xxii. 1900, 1 ff).
After this bold attempt on the part of the Pisatans, the Eleians recovered the presidency of the games, and forthwith ordered the 104th celebration, as having been illegal, to be omitted from the official list of Olympiads.
ISLANDS OFF ELIS[De Bosset, Sur les Med. des iles de Cephallenia et d'Ithaca. London. 1845. Numismatische Zeitung, 1837. Gardner, Num. Chron., 1885, p. 81; BMC Peloponnesus; Babelon, Trait, p. 907.]Cephallenia, the largest of the Ionian islands, derived its name from the hero Kephalos. In historical times this island was a tetrapolis, the land being divided between the four towns, Same, Proni, Pale, and Cranii, each of which seems to have been independent of its neighbours. The money standard of the Cephallenian towns was the same as that which prevailed in Corcyra (see p. 326). (Stater, 172 grs.; [Drachm, 86 grs.]; Tetrobol, 58 grs.; Triobol, 44 grs.; Diobol, 29 grs.; Trihemi- obol, 22 grs.; obol, 14 grs.) Cranii, B.C. 500 or later. The archaic silver money of this town, Inscr., ΚR, ΚRΑ, ΚRΑΝΙ, &c., shows on the obverse a rams head (Stater); ram (Triob.); forepart of ram, Rx. ΤRΙ (Trihemiob.); head of ram (Obol). The usual reverse type is a bow.
Circ. B.C. 400.
On the bronze coins of the fourth century the usual types are :Ram, rev., bow; Bulls head, rev., Κ; Ram, rev., Η; Kephalos standing resting on spear, rev., ΚΡΑ, rams head or hoof; Head of Athena, rev., Κ or Η; Head of Athena, rev., Kephalos kneeling with bow in hand; Helmet, rev., Κ; &c. It will be seen that the types for the most part refer to the myth of Kephalos, and to the cultus of Hermes, his reputed father, to whom the ram was sacred. In B.C. 189 Cephallenia became subject to the Romans, and hence- forth no coins seem to have been issued in the island until the time of Augustus, when C. Proculeius issued coins bearing his own name in Latin with the monogram of Cranium in the Greek character (BMC Peloponnesus, Pl. XVII. 7, 8). ImperialDomna, Maximinus, Philip I, and Otacilia. Inscr., ΚΡΑΝΑΙΩΝ. Types :Man leading bull to the sacrifice; head of Athena, &c. (Lambros, Pelop., 61, cf. Num. Zeitung, 1837, 113).
Circ. B.C. 430-370.
Circ. B.C. 370 and later.
Some of these types occur on the bronze coins. The most frequent reverse type is the corn-grain within the letter Π, or the letters ΠΑ in monogram. Proni, on the south-eastern coast of Cephallenia, was dominated by Mt. Aenus, on the summit of which was the temple of Zeus Αινησιος. This mountain is still covered with forests of fir-trees, which the fir-cone shows must also have been the case in ancient times.
Same, the most ancient city in Cephallenia, stood upon the eastern coast of the island.
Circ. B.C. 370 and later.
For other varieties see BMC Peloponnesus, and Lambros, op. cit. The dog on the silver coins of Same is the hound Lailaps presented to Kephalos by Prokris. Ithaca. This island, which derives its chief interest from the poems of Homer, issued autonomous bronze coins, which appear to belong chiefly to the fourth and third centuries. Inscr., ΙΘΑ, ΙΘΑΚΩΝ (BMC Peloponnesus, Pl. XXI. 8-13).
1 This coin is attributed by Earle Fox, more probably, to Mantineia. Zacynthus, an important island about ten miles south of Cephallenia, and the same distance west of the coast of Elis, contained but one city, which bore the same name as the island, derived, it is said, from Zakynthos, son of Dardanos. The coin-types, however, suggest that Zakynthos was locally identified with Apollo (cf. the epithet Κυνθιος). The crescent moon, on early Zacynthian coins, also suggests a cultus of Artemis Selene or Κυνθια. The chief deities of Zacynthus were certainly Apollo, to whom there was a temple in the lower town, Dionysos, and Artemis. Pliny (xxxv. 15) mentions Mt. Elatus as a remarkable feature in the island, Mons Elatus ibi nobilis. On this mountain fragments of an inscription have been found which show that a temple of Artemis once stood there (Bursian, Geog., ii. 379). The silver money of Zacynthus falls into the following chronological periods. (For illustrations see N. C., 1885, Pls. III, IV; BMC Peloponnesus, Pls. XIX-XXI; Lambros, Pelop., Pl. IX, and Babelon, Trait, Pl. XXXIX.) The weight standard of the silver money corresponds with that of Cephallenia. The state weighs about 180 grs. (max.). Its divisions are thirds, 60 grs., sixths, 30 grs., and eighteenths, 10 grs.
Circ. B.C. 456-370.
Some of the small coins of variable weights bear marks of value, Ο for Obol, Η for Hemiobol.
FIG. 235.
The reverse type of this coin was perhaps suggested by that of the alliance coins issued by Byzantium, Cnidus, Ephesus, Samos, Iasus, and Rhodes, after the battle of Cnidus, B.C. 394. Cf. similar borrowed types on contemporary coins of Thebes and Locri Epizephyrii. Von Sallet (Z. f. N., xviii. 197) would identify the child on the Zacynthian coin with the infant Asklepios, but his arguments are not convincing.
Circ. B.C. 370-350 and later.
It is quite possible that the magistrate Dion, whose name occurs on some of the Zacynthian staters, may have been Dion of Syracuse, who, while preparing his expedition against Dionysius the Younger, B.C. 357, made Zacynthus his head-quarters, and before embarking offered solemn sacrifice with great magnificence to Apollo (Plut. Dion. xxii). The remaining silver and bronze coins of autonomous times are of various types, mostly small, and of careless work. The half-Pegasos on some of them points to relations with Corinth (BMC Peloponnesus, Pl. XX. 7-10).
Circ. B.C. 39-32.
The next series of coins which can be accurately dated are bronze pieces issued by C. Sosius, the general of M. Antony, who must have been for a time governor of the island. Some of these bear the head of Antony, others those of Apollo, Poseidon, or a Dolphin, with ΖΑ, and, in successive years (B.C. 39-32), C. SOSIVS Q[uaestor], IMP[erator], COS. DES[ignatus], and COS. (Lambros, Pelop., 73). The Imperial coins of Zacynthus range from Antoninus Pius to Elagabalus, inscr. ΖΑΚΥΝΘΙWΝ, types, Nike, Zeus, Pan carrying infant Dionysos, Dionysos standing, River-god, Asklepios, Athena, Artemis, Hermes, &c.
MESSEIAMessene. From the close of the second Messenian war, B.C. 668, for the space of 300 years Messenia was subject to Sparta and incorporated in Laconia. It was not until after the battle of Leuctra that the exiled descendants of the Messenians were restored to their country, under the auspices of Epaminondas, and the city of Messene founded B.C. 369 on the western slope of Mt. It home, where stood a temple of Zeus Ithomatas, whose figure appears on the coinage, and in whose honor an annual festival (Ιθομαια) was held (Paus. iv. 33). The coins of Messene fall into the following periods :
Circ. B.C. 369-330.
The beautiful head of Demeter crowned with corn on these coins is a free copy of the popular type first introduced by Euaenetos, the Syracusan engraver. Cf. the contemporary coins of the Opuntian Locrians and of Pheneus in Arcadia. The temple of Demeter on Mt. Ithome is mentioned by Pausanias (iv. 31) as a place of peculiar sanctity, Δημητρος ιερον Μεσσηνιοις εστιν αγιον. The figure of Zeus on the reverse was probably suggested by the statue executed by Ageladas for the Messenians while they were settled at Naupactus, το δε αγαλμα του Διος Αγελαδα μεν εστιν εργον, εποιηθη δε εξ αρχης τοις οικησασιν εν Ναυπακτω Μεσσηνιων (Paus. iv. 33.). On the restoration of the Messenians to their native land the statue appears to have been transported to Messene. It was not, however, placed in the temple of Zeus on Mt. It home, but kept in the Priests house in the lower city.
After circ. B.C. 330.
The Messenians after Macedonian times adopted the Attic standard in place of the Aeginetic previously in use. Tetradrachms were now issued with the old types modified. FIG. 237.
After circ. B.C. 280.
The next series of Messenian silver money resembles in style the contemporary coinage of the Achaean League.
There are bronze coins of all the above periods, of which the types for the most part resemble the silver. For Federal coins of the Achaean League see p. 418.
Imperial Times. M. Aurelius to Geta.
The obverse of the first of these coins represents Messene, the daughter of Triopas, of whom there was a temple at Messene with a statue of gold and Parian marble (Paus. iv. 31). Asine. A town of Messenia built by the Dryopes when they were expelled from Asine in Argolis, at a very early date. The Asinaeans were proud of their Dryopian origin, and in addition to a temple of Apollo they had a shrine and an αγαλμα αρχαιον of Dryops, in whose honor they celebrated a mystery every other year (Paus. iv. 34).
Second century B.C.
For Federal bronze coins see Achaean League, p. 418. ImperialSeverus to Geta. Inscr., ΑCΙΝΑΙΩΝ. Types Apollo Pythaeos leaning on pillar (Paus. ii. 36. 5), Asklepios, Hermes, Perseus, etc. Colone. Imperial of Severus, Domna, and Geta. Inscr. ΚΟΛΩΝΙЄΩΝ and ΚΟΛWΝЄΙΤWΝ. TypesArtemis, Asklepios, Poseidon, Bull, Aphrodite facing, resting on scepter and holding apple. The autonomous coins formerly attributed to this city belong to Colone in the Troad. Corone derived its name from Coroneia in Boeotia, whence it was founded. In the Acropolis was a bronze statue of Athena holding a crow in her hand. It is the head of this goddess which appears on the coins.
For Federal coins after B.C. 184 see Achaean League, p. 418. Cyparissia, the port of Messene. Imperial Severus to Severus Alexander Inscr., ΚΥΠΑΡΙCCΙЄΩΝ. TypesAsklepios, Dionysos, Athena, Poseidon, etc. Mothone. Autonomous bronze. Third century B.C. (?).
This coin-type would lead us to suppose that Lampadephoria were celebrated at Mothone in honor of Hephaestos. Imhoof (op. cit.), p. 171. See also Rev. Num., 1864, p. 187. ImperialSeverus to Geta. Inscr., ΜΟΘΩΝΑΙΩΝ. TypesAsklepios, Poseidon, Athena, Isis, &c., and the Port of Mothone in the form of an amphitheater with a galley about to enter it (Paus. iv. 35. 1). Pylus. ImperialSeverus to Geta. Inscr., ΠΥΛΙWΝ. Types Asklepios, Dionysos, Athena, and Ram on a basis.
ImperialSeverus to Geta. Inscr., ΘΟΥΡΙΑΤΩΝ. TypesZeus, Athena, Asklepios, &c., all with letters ΛΑ in the field, indicating that Thuria, although geographically situated in Messenia, belonged at this time politically to Laconia (cf. Paus. iv. 31. 1).
LACONIA
King Areus, B.C. 310-266.
FIG. 238.
The reverse type corresponds with the description given by Pausanias (iii. 19) of the Apollo of Amyclae, but he makes no mention of the goat, εχει δε επι τη κεφαλη κρανος, λογχην δε εν ταις χερσι και τοξον. The coins which seem to follow next in order of time, and which I would assign to the period between the death of Areus and the usurpation of the tyrant Nabis, are the following :
Circ. B.C. 266-207.
FIG. 239.
King Nabis, B.C. 207-192.
On these coins ΒΑΙΛΕΟΣ and ΝΑΒΙΟΣ are not blunders for βασιλεος and Ναβιδος, but Laconian dialectic forms (see Perdrizet, N. C., 1898, 1). When, in B.C. 192, Sparta joined the Achaean League after the defeat of Nabis, she seems to have struck both Federal and autonomous coins down to the time of Augustus, though the silver money doubtless ceased in B.C. 146.
Circ. B.C. 192-146 and later.
The autonomous bronze money of Lacedaemon is plentiful. The series commences in the third century B.C., and extends into Roman times. The principal obverse types are heads of Apollo, of the Dioskuri, of Athena, of Herakles, of Lykurgos, etc., while those of the reverse are Club, Owl, Eagle, Two amphorae, head of Artemis, the Dioskuri, Pan seated on rock, Artemis huntress, Artemis with torch, Club and caduceus united, etc. The following coin must also be ascribed to Lacedaemon :
(See Zeit. f. Num., vii. p. 17.) The magistrate ΤΙ may be Timaristos the Ephor whose name occurs in full on other coins. It is doubtful whether Κυπαρισσια is here an epithet of Artemis or the name of an agonistic festival; the latter seems more probable. Among other magistrates names is also that of ΕΥΡΥΚΛΗΣ, who was governor of Laconia under Augustus (Strab., p. 366), and of ΑΤΡΑΤΙΝΟΣ (Imhoof MG, p. 172). 436
The following may also be mentioned :
C. Julius Lacon succeeded his father Eurycles in the government of Lacedaemon. His name also occurs on a coin of Claudius.
These coins are remarkable for the mention of the Ephors, a title which does not occur, so far as I am aware, on the coins of any other city. For the history of the family of C. Julius Eurycles see R. Weil (Mittheilungen des Archologischen Instituts in Athen, Band vi). There are also Lacedaemonian bronze coins with the following remarkable inscriptions:
ImperialAugustus to Salonina. Inscr., ΛΑ, ΛΑΚЄΔΑΙΜΟΝΙΩΝ. Principal TypesThe Dioskuri, Apollo Amyklaios, Apollo in the attitude of Apollo Lykios with his hand upon his head, Aphrodite Morpho veiled, seated on square cippus, and apparently with bonds about her feet, as described by Pausanias (iii. 15), Asklepios, Hygieia, Hermes Agoraios carrying infant Dionysos (Paus. iii. 11, 14), &c., sometimes with marks of value ΑC[σαρια], Δ, Ϛ, Η (= 4, 6, 8) in field (Imhoof, op. cit., p. 173). (For illustrations see BMC Peloponnesus, Pls. XXIV-XXVI, and Lambros, Pelop., Pls. X, XI.) Las. This ancient Homeric city was situated a few miles south of Gythium, near the western coast of the Laconic Gulf. ImperialSeverus to Geta. Inscr., ΛΑΩΝ. TypesAthena, Artemis, Herakles, Asklepios, Hygieia, &c.
ISLAND OFF LACONIACythera. This island had in early times received from the Phoenicians the worship of Aphrodite, and throughout historical times it continued to be a special seat of that cultus. Its coins are all of bronze, and for the most part belong apparently to the third and second centuries B.C. Inscr., ΚΥ, ΚΥΘ, ΚΥΘΗΡΙΩΝ etc.
For varieties see BMC Peloponnesus, 107 ff., and Lambros, Pelop., 92. ARGOLISArgos, renowned in legend as one of the most ancient cities in Greece, lay at the foot of a lofty hill overlooking a wide plain, bounded on the south by the broad Argolic Gulf. In the earliest historical times it is said to have been the center of an amphictyony of all the neighbouring towns. None of these ancient cities, unless Aegina was one of them, seem to have coined money before the Persian wars. On the archaic staters with two dolphins, sometimes attributed to Argos, see Uncertain archaic coins of the Aegaean Islands, infra, p. 480 f. A few years before the Persian wars Argos met with a crushing defeat at the hands of the Spartans, which crippled her power and put an end to her prosperity for the space of an entire generation. It was not until about B.C. 468 that, by the destruction of several neighbouring cities, including Mycenae, and the removal of their population to Argos, she regained her ancient importance and began to issue silver coins.
Circ. B.C. 468-421 or later.
The coins which I would attribute to this period are the following :
Most of these coins have from one to four pellets within or about the Α in the incuse square. They are not marks of value, as they do not correspond with the denominations on which they occur. Other small silver coins attributed to Argos bear a helmet On both sides or a rosette on the obverse, and a helmet on the reverse (BMC Peloponnesus, Pl. XXVII. 7, 8). The flower may be a symbol of Hera Ανθεια. The wolf is the well-known symbol of Apollo Lykios, whose worship at Argos dates from very remote times. Hence Sophocles (Electr. 6) calls the agora of Argos του λυκοκτονου θεου αγορα Αυκειος, for here stood the temple of the god (Paus. ii. 19). The archaic aspirate ⊟ on the Hemiobol can hardly in this instance stand for a mark of value for ημιοβολιον, for it frequently recurs on bronze coins of Argos, where such an interpretation is inadmissible. I take it to be the initial letter of the name of the goddess Hera, or of games (Heraea), handed down from archaic times like the Q at Corinth, the F at Elis, and the Μ (= Σ) at Sicyon (cf. the ☧ as a Christian symbol). That the letter ⊟ has this signification seems on other grounds highly probable, for it also occurs stamped upon a roof-tile from the old temple of Hera near Argos, with which may be compared a fragment of large bowl from the same site inscribed ΤAΜ⊟ΕΡAΜΕΙΝΙ (τας Ηρας ειμι) (Waldstein, The Argive Heraeum, I. 224). IRON MONEY.
It is probable that down to the age of Pheidon, king of Argos, iron was the principal medium of exchange throughout Peloponnesus in the form of spits, οβελισκοι, and that the statement of Aristotle (Fr. 481), that Pheidon dedicated specimens of these οβελισκοι in the Heraeum, is worthy of credit. Whether he dedicated them as official standards for regulating the exact weights of the uncoined currency of his own time, as Reinach ingeniously suggests (L'hist. par les monnaies, p. 35 ff.), or whether he dedicated them to the goddess merely as specimens of the obsolete currency superseded by stamped lumps of silver, said to have been introduced by him into Peloponnesus in connexion with his reform of weights and measures, is a doubtful point. It is noteworthy, however, that a bundle of these iron οβελισκοι has actually been discovered on the site of the Heraeum (Waldstein, Heraeum, I. pp. 63, 177). In any case it would seem that even after the introduction of silver coins into Peloponnesus iron continued to be used as money, and that it was occasionally cast (not struck) in the form of coins. Only a few specimens of this iron coinage have survived. They bear the types of Argos, Heraea, and Tegea, and belong to the same period as the early silver coins of those cities (Ath. Mitth., vii. 2, 377; cf. Journ. Int. Num., 1907, p. 269, and Bltter fr Mnzfreunde, 1908). Those of Argos have on the obv. the forepart of a wolf and on the rev. the letter Α. (Cf. Heraea and Tegea.)
Circ. B.C. 421-322 or later.
The coins of Argos in this period are among the most beautiful in Greece, as might be expected from the high standing of Argos as a school of art. FIG. 240.
Concerning the beautiful head of Hera on these coins see Gardner (Types of Greek Coins, p. 138). The statue of the Argive Hera by Polycleitus wore a stephanos adorned with figures of the Horae and Charites (Paus. ii. 17. 4). As such complicated ornaments could not well be reproduced on a small scale, a coin-engraver might naturally substitute a more simple form of decoration. As the Argive hero Diomedes was believed to have brought to Argos the Palladium which he carried off from Troy, the exploit is appropriately represented on Argive coins. The swan and the dolphins are Apolline symbols. The column which appears as a symbol between the dolphins on some of the staters has hitherto been called a quiver, but I believe it to represent a columnar pump or drinking fountain, in connexion with the sacred water of freedom' ελευθεριον υδορ, used by the priestesses in the Heraeum, which, after flowing down a rock-hewn aqueduct, supplied the holy well called Kynadra at Argos (Waldstein, Heraeum, i. p. 18). A minute examination of this object on a specimen in the Brit. Mus. reveals on one side of the column a pump-handle and on the other side a projection (basin (?)) supporting a vase thus placed to receive the water seen dripping from the cone-shaped top of the pillar. On late bronze coins the same pillar-fountain is represented furnished with spouts half- way up the column (BMC Peloponnesus, Pl. XXVIII. 8), and on a coin in the Hunter Coll. (Cat., vol. ii. Pl. XXXIX. 12) the pump is shown with two handles on each side of the shaft. With regard to the Temple-key see Zeitschrift fr Numismatik (iii. 113-22). This symbol may refer to Hera as the guardian and custodian goddess of Argos; cf. the epithet κληδουχος applied in this sense to Athena (Arist. Thesm. 1143).
Circ. B.C. 322-229 and later.
During the century which followed the Lamian war it is probable that if large coins were struck at Argos they were tetradrachms of the Alexandrine types, resembling those of Sicyon of the same time. The smaller coins consisted of Attic tetrobols (or Aeginetic triobols) as follows :
It is to this period that the autonomous bronze money of Argos for the most part belongs, though some of it may be earlier.
This last type refers to the battle of the wolf and the bull, which took place while Danaos and Gelanor were contending for the sovereignty of Argolis. The omen was interpreted as deciding the contest in favour of Danaos, who, in consequence, erected a temple in honor of Apollo Lykios.
Circ. B.C. 229-146.
For coins of this period see Achaean League, p. 418.
Imperial Times.
Trajan to Salonina. Inscr., ΑΡΓЄΙΩΝ or ΝЄΜЄΙΑ, ΝЄΜЄΙΑ ΗΡΑΙΑ, or ΗΡΑΙΑ, without the ethnic, in allusion to the Nemean and Heraean games. The types are numerous and of considerable interest. The following are some of the more important :Herakles strangling the Nemean lion. Opheltes, Hypsipyle and the serpent. Herakles resting at the foot of Mount Apesas. The three Charites. Hera seated with Hebe before her and a peacock between them. Perseus with Gorgon's head, sometimes resting his shield upon a cippus. Apollo variously represented. Zeus seated or standing. Tyche standing. Hermes standing. Kleobis and Biton drawing their mother in a chariot (Paus. ii. 20. 3). Asklepios. Leto with small figure, Chloris, beside her (Paus. ii. 21. 9). Demeter standing. Eileithyia holding in each hand a torch, one raised and one lowered. Hekate triformis. Palladium, sometimes in temple on Acropolis. Diomedes carrying off the Palladium. Dionysos. Danae receiving the golden shower. Ares. Aphrodite (?) standing. Poseidon pursuing Amymone. Nemesis. Isis, &c. Nearly all these types are figured in Imhoof and Gardners Numismatic Commentary on Pausanias, from which the above list is taken. Some of the later Im- perial coins of Valerian, Gallienus, &c., bear marks of value = 6, 7, or 10 Assaria (Imhoof GM, 162). Cleonae, a small town on the road from Corinth to Argos, about twenty miles north of the latter. The Nemean games were celebrated in its territory. At Cleonae was a temple of Herakles on the spot where he slew Eurytos (Diod. iv. 33).
Late Fourth Century B.C.
These bronze coins are, however, assigned by Gardner to the occasion of the Nemean Festival presided over by the Cleonaeans in B.C. 235 (BMC Peloponnesus, p. 154; Plut. Arat. xxviii). For Federal money of the Achaean League see p. 418. ImperialCommodus to Geta. Inscr., ΚΛЄΟΝΑΙΩΝ or ΚΛЄΩΝΑΩΝ. A coin of Severus has for type Asklepios seated, as on silver coins of Epidaurus of the fourth century B.C. Another type which refers to Asklepian games at Cleonae is the head of Asklepios placed on the back of a bridled horse. (Cf. a coiled serpent on horseback, of similar signi- fication, on a coin of Philadelphia, Lydiae.) Among other Imperial types may be mentioned an archaic statue of Athena, perhaps copied from the one by Dipoenus and Scyllis mentioned by Pausanias (ii. 15. 1), Isis Pharia, Artemis between two cypress trees, &c. Epidaurus. This city was in historical times chiefly celebrated for its great sanctuary of Asklepios, to whose cultus its coins bear ample testimony.
These remarkable coins are of considerable archaeological interest, corresponding as they do most minutely with the description given by Pausanias (ii. 27) of the chryselephantine statue of Asklepios at Epidaurus, the work of Thrasymedes of Paros (B.C. 350 or later, N. C., 1892, p. 15). The dog beside the god is the animal which watched over him when as an infant he was exposed on Mount Tittheion and suckled by a goat.
Bronze after B.C. 350.
In B.C. 243 Epidaurus became a member of the Achaean League (see p. 418). ImperialAnt. Pius to Sev. Alexander. Inscr., ΙЄΡΑC ЄΠΙΔΑΥΡΟΥ or ЄΠΙΔΑΥΡΟ[Υ] Bust of Asklepios (?). Rev. ΑCΚΛΗΠЄΙΑ in wreath, in reference to the Asklepian games celebrated at Epidaurus every five years. TypesShepherd finding Asklepios suckled by goat. Asklepios seated with dog and serpent. Asklepios standing. Poseidon standing. Hygieia standing in round temple. Concerning this rotunda see Svoronos, Die Polykletische Tholos in Epidauros (Journ. Int. d'arch. num., 1901, 1 ff.); Reinach (Rev. des Etudes grecq., 1901, 412), and Drpfeld (Hermes, 1902, 250 and 483). Hermione. An ancient Dryopian city on the south coast of Argolis, distinguished for its sanctuary of Demeter Chthonia, in whose honour an annual festival called Χθονια was celebrated.
For Federal money of the Achaean League see p. 418. ImperialSeverus to Geta. Inscr., ЄΡΜΙΟΝЄWΝ. TypesHermes; Poseidon (Paus. ii. 35. 1); Zeus; Kybele; a victimarius leading a cow to the sacrifice (Paus. ii. 35. 4); Tyche standing (Paus. ii. 35. 3); Aphrodite with Eros (Paus. ii. 34. 11); Dionysos, &c. Methana. An obscure town a few miles north of Troezen. Pausanias (ii. 34) mentions hot springs which burst forth near this city in the time of Antigonus Gonatas. The whole region still bears evidences of violent volcanic action. Hence the worship of Hephaestos and his head on the coins.
Circ. B.C. 221-203.
Under Ptolemaic influence Methana bore for a time the name of Arsino and struck bronze coins, which have been hitherto assigned to Arsino in Crete, p. 459.
ImperialSeverus to Geta. Inscr., ΜЄΘΑΝΑΙWΝ. TypesZeus, Poseidon, Athena, Artemis huntress, Aphrodite Anadyomene. Tiryns. This ancient city was destroyed by the Argives about the same time as Mycenae (B.C. 468), and its expelled inhabitants settled at the sea-port of Halice in the territory of Hermione at the entrance of the Argolic Gulf. Henceforth they were spoken of as Αλιεις οι εκ Τιρυνθος or simply as Αλιεις, but on their coins they clung to their ancient name (see Svoronos in Journ. Int. d'arch. num., 1907, 5 sqq.). The following coins belong undoubtedly to the fourth century B.C.
Troezen occupied a fertile maritime plain in the south-east corner of Argolis. Poseidon and Athena are said to have contended for the land of the Troezenians, and these two divinities jointly received worship in the city. Hence, as Pausanias remarks (ii. 30), the trident and the head of Athena were placed upon the coinage και δη και νομισμα αυτοις το αρχαιον επισημα εχει τριαιναν και Αθηνας προσωπον. Troezen was from of old intimately connected with Athens, which accounts for the fact that it is, perhaps, the only Peloponnesian city which made use of the Attic standard of weight.
Circ. B.C. 400-322.
After circ. B.C. 322.
For other varieties see Imhoof MG, p. 181, and BMC Peloponnesus, Pl. XXXI; and for later coins obv. Head of Apollo or Poseidon, rev. Demeter standing with torch, Artemis (?) seated, or Dolphin, see Lambros, Pelop., p. 107. The oracular temple of Apollo Thearios stood in the agora of Troezen (Paus. ii. 31. 6). ImperialCommodus to Philip Jun. Inscr., ΤΡΟΙΖΗΝΙWΝ. Types Acropolis rock surmounted by temple of Athena Sthenias (Paus. ii. 32. 5). Archaic statue of Athena Sthenias, by Kallon of Aegina. Artemis with dog hunting stag, probably Artemis Lykia, whose temple stood near the theatre and was said to have been founded by Hippolytos (Paus. ii. 31. 4). Apollo with arrow, leaning on tripod. The Dioskuri standing (Paus. ii. 31. 6). Zeus standing. Hippolytos as hunter with dog beside him leaning on trunk of tree (Paus. ii. 32. 1). Hippolytos with horse and dog. Hippolytos armed before Phaedra. Aphrodite Nymphia (?) standing (Paus. ii. 32. 7). Asklepios standing. Fountain, Ηρακλειος κρηνη, in the form of a pillar with a lion seated on it and a basin in front into which water flows (cf. Paus. ii. 32. 4; see also column fountain on coins of Argos, p. 439). Theseus lifting the rock or slaying the Minotaur (Paus. ii. 32. 7). Tyche standing before altar, &c.Nearly all these Imperial types are fully discussed and figured in Imhoof and Gardners Numismatic Commentary on Pausanias, p. 47. Sestini mentions also a coin with the type of Artemis Lykia holding a wolfs head (Num. Vet., p. 215), but it is highly probable that he was mistaken with regard to the object held by Artemis.
ARCADIA[A. v. Sallet, Zeitsehrift fr Numismatik, ii. 139. J. Friedlaender, Ibid., ii. 246. Imhoof- Blumer, Ibid., iii. 289; Mon. gr., 184 ff. R. Weil, Z. f. N., ix. 18. Babelon, Trait, pp. 836 sqq.] Concerning the political condition of Arcadia, from the time of the dissolution of the ancient monarchy in the early part of the seventh century B.C. down to the age of Epaminondas, our historical data lead us to infer that the country was split up into a number of independent cantons without any bond of union. Such an assumption is not, however, borne out by the evidence of the early Arcadian coinage. The extensive series of coins bearing the inscription ΑΡΚΑΔΙΚΟΝ, &c., ranging from circ. B.C. 490-417, proves most satisfactorily that the Arca- dians, in spite of their continual dissensions, maintained from first to last something more than a mere tradition of unity, for this coinage, although not politically a federal currency like that of the later Achaean League, shows that the independent Arcadian towns and villages held fast to the religious bond which brought them together from time to time to celebrate in common their national festivals Arcadica. The place of mintage of this series of coins was probably Heraea (see infra, p. 447, and Imhoof MG, p. 184 ff.). Concurrently with these Festival issues many of the Arcadian towns struck coins with their own local types for circulation within their respective territories. From about B.C. 417-371 no Festival coins were struck in the name of the Arcadians; but, after the victory of Epaminondas at Leuctra, B.C. 371, the party in Arcadia opposed to Sparta seems to have re-established the national Arcadian Games, and to have issued Festival, or Federal, coins at the new Arcadian capital Megalopolis, which was founded, under the immediate auspices of Epaminondas, on the river Helisson, near the frontiers of Laconia. The money of the revived Arcadian κοινον derived its types from the cultus of Zeus Lykaeos, and of Pan, whose sanctuaries were situated on Mount Lycaeum, the Arcadian Olympus. Circ. B.C. 370-362 and later.
FIG. 241.
The inscriptions ΟΛΥΜ or ΧΑΡΙ in small characters on the side of the mountain or rock on which Pan is seated have been explained conjecturally as engravers signatures (BMC Peloponnesus, p. lix). May they not, however, be more probably abbreviated names of the Festival Games for which the coins were issued? e.g. ΟΛΥΜ, perhaps on the occasion of the 104th Olympiad celebrated by the Arcadians in B.C. 364 (cf. ΟΛVΝΠΙΚΟΝ on coins of Elis (p. 420). Similarly ΧΑΡΙ might stand for Charisia or Charitesia (Pauly-Wissowa, Encyclop., s. v. Charites, III. 2155, n. 8), agonistic festivals in honour of the Charites; cf. also Charisios, the eponymous founder of the Arcadian town of Charisiae (Paus. viii. 3. 4). The two names on the bronze coins are perhaps Possikrates and Theoxenos, two of the ten founders of Megalopolis (Paus. viii. 27. 2).
The later specimens have an eagle in the field as well as the monogram. Although Megalopolis issued these Festival, or possibly Federal, coins with the Arcadian monogram, it is abundantly proved by the local staters of Pheneus, Stymphalus, &c., which began to be issued after the fatal battle of Mantineia (B.C. 362), that Megalopolis can hardly have possessed a monopoly of coining money for the whole of Arcadia, for although triobols bearing the Arcadian monogram continued to be issued at Megalopolis apparently down to a much later date, this monogram is afterwards replaced by the letters ΜΕΓ (see Megalopolis, p. 450).
Imperial Coinage.
In the reign of Hadrian the cultus of Antinos was established on a grand scale at Mantineia, which was the mother city of Bithynium, the birth-place of Antinos. It was probably at one of the great festivals in honour of this new god that a certain Veturius dedicated the fol- lowing coins to the Arcadians'.
Alea, a small place between Orchomenus and Stymphalus, where were temples of Artemis Ephesia, Athena Alea, and Dionysos (Paus. viii. 23. 1).
See also under Achaean League (p. 418). Alipheira. See Achaean League (p. 418) Antigoneia. See Mantineia (p. 450). Asea. See Achaean League (p. 418). Callista. See Achaean League (p. 418). Caphya. Autonomous bronze coins of the third century B.C.
See also Achaean League (p. 418). ImperialSeverus to Geta. Inscr., ΚΑΦΥΙΑΤΩΝ. TypesApollo, Artemis, Poseidon, Tyche, &c. (cf. Paus. viii. 23. 3). Cleitor, between Pheneus and Psophis (Zeit. f. Num., ii. 168, iii. 280, ix. 19; Imh., Mon. gr., 187), said to have been founded by Kleitor, grandson of Arkas.
Circ. B.C. 450 and later.
The letter Ε on the reverse of these coins is a mark of value standing for Hemiobol'. Circ. B.C. 400-322 and earlier.
See also Achaean League (p. 418). ImperialSeverus, Domna, Plautilla. Inscr., ΚΛЄΙΤΟΡΙΩΝ. Types Asklepios, Tyche, Dioskuri, Demeter (?), Rider (Z. f. N., xxiv. p. 65). Cynaetha in northern Arcadia. Imperial of Caracalla. Inscr., ΚΥΝΑΙΘЄWΝ Agora with colonnade containing temple and another building with statue and tree beside it (Z. f. N., xxiv. p. 66). Dipaea. See Achaean League (p. 418). Elisphasii. See Achaean League (p. 418). Gortys. See Achaean League (p. 418). Heraea. The Heraeans were a numerous and influential clan occupy- ing western Arcadia and the valleys of the Alpheius and the Ladon on the confines of Elis. They derived their name, according to tradition, from Heraios, one of the sons of Lykaon. Down to the fourth century B.C. they are said to have dwelt in villages, κατα κωμας, but the Heraean coins of the sixth century prove that at any rate they possessed a central mint, and therefore that they formed a separate community; cf. the Treaty between the Eleians and the Heraeans, B.C. 550-500 (Hicks and Hill, Greek Hist. Inscr., p. 10).
Between the beginning and the latter part of the fifth century no coins appear to have been struck in the name of the Heraeans, but, as Imhoof- Blumer has shown, it is almost certain that the rich series of triobols reading Αρκαδικον, variously abbreviated, was issued at Heraea through- out this period, so that in point of fact the Heraean mint may have continued active from the earliest times down to the age of Epaminondas. It would therefore seem that, early in the fifth century, the Heraeans assumed the presidency, or were entrusted with the management of the national Arcadian Games, and that at each recurring festival they issued coins, not, as of old, in their own name merely for local circulation, but for the convenience of all Arcadians congregated during the festivals of Zeus Lykaios held periodically on the summit of Mt. Lycaeum (Paus. viii. 38. 7).
Circ. B.C. 490-417.
The head on the reverses of the coins of this interesting series is doubt- less that of the goddess who was worshipped by the Arcadians under the name of Despoina (the Mistress), the daughter of Poseidon Hippios and Demeter, the dread goddess whose true name Pausanias (viii. 37) is afraid to communicate to the uninitiated. The ancient Arcadian festivals appear to have been discontinued in the latter part of the fifth century, if we may draw this inference from the fact that Heraea after this time began again to coin money in her own name, which she continued to do, intermittently, down to the close of the fourth century. [1]
Circ. B.C. 420-322 or later.
The letter Ε on the above coins cannot stand for hemiobolion, as the weights prove. It signifies the mint of Heraea; cf. Τ at Tegea, Μ at Mantineia, &c. But the Ε thrice repeated on the Trihemiobol seems to combine the two meanings.
1 Iron money (?) circ. B.C. 400 (?). In Ath. Mitth. vii. 377, Khler describes an iron coin, Obv. Head of Athena, Rev. incuse circle containing a very obscure inscription read by him ΗΡΑΟΑΙ. I doubt whether this is the correct reading, and consequently whether the coin (if indeed it be a coin) belongs to Heraea. For many other varieties see Imhoof MG, pp. 189 sqq. See also Achaean League (p. 418). ImperialSeverus and Caracalla. Inscr., ΗΡΑΙЄΩΝ. TypesArchaic upright statue of Helios naked, facing. River-god Alpheios with a bull in front and fishes beneath, &c. Lusi. See Achaean League (p. 418). Mantineia, in eastern Arcadia, originally only the center of a small group of villages surrounding an oracular sanctuary (μαντειον) of the Arcadian Poseidon Hippios, grew during the sixth century B.C. to be a fortified town, and from about B.C. 500 began to issue coins in its own name. Poseidon always remained the special god of Mantineia, and his emblem, the trident, was the scutcheon on the shields of the Mantineians (Frazer, Paus., vol. iv. p. 217; BMC Peloponnesus, Pl. XXXIV; Lambros, Pelop., Pl. XIV; Babelon, Trait, pp. 862 ff.).
The bear refers to the myth of Kallisto, the mother of Arkas, who was transformed into a bear by Hera. The acorns remind us of the oak forest, Pelasgos, which encompassed the temple of Poseidon Hippios (Paus. viii. 9. 1). The Arcadians are called by Herodotus (i. 66) βαλα- νηφαγοι ανδρες, because they lived upon the edible acorn of the beech-oak (Zeit. f. Num., 1873, p. 125). In B.C. 385 Mantineia was razed to the ground by the Spartans, and its inhabitants dispersed among the neighbouring villages. After the city was rebuilt, B.C. 370, its coins bear the following interesting types:
After B.C. 370.
The first of these coins refers to the myth of Odysseus fixing his oar in the ground in the country of the men who knew not the sea, according to the prophecy of Teiresias (Od. xi. 121), before performing his sacrifice to Poseidon, whose altar, surmounted by the busts of his ministers, the Dioskuri, is seen on the reverse (Paus. viii. 9. 2). These types plainly indicate the country, not mentioned in Homer, to which Odysseus went in search of a wayfarer who should mistake his oar for a threshing flail (Svoronos, Gaz. Arch., 1888; BMC Peloponnesus, Pl. XXXIV. 23; Lambros, Pelop., Pl. XIV. 14).
In B.C. 222 Mantineia was captured by Antigonus Doson, and its name changed to Antigoneia, under which designation it struck federal coins as a member of the Achaean League (see p. 418). ImperialSeverus to Caracalla. Inscr., ΜΑΝΤΙΝΕΩΝ. Types Apollo, Asklepios, Hygieia, Tyche, Artemis. Pausanias informs us that in the reign of Hadrian the old name of the city was restored to it. Megalopolis, founded circ. B.C. 370, under the auspices of Epaminon- das, as the capital of the new Arcadian League, struck festival or federal money in the name of the entire body of the Arcadians down to, and perhaps during, Macedonian times (see supra, p. 444). The subsequent issues are as follows :
Third and Second centuries B.C.
But in B.C. 244 Megalopolis again fell into the hands of a tyrant by name Lydiadas, and the issue of coins reading ΜΕΓ as above was resumed and perhaps continued after Megalopolis joined the Achaean League, B.C. 234. For coins of the League see p. 418. ImperialSeverus to Elagabalus. Inscr., ΜЄΓΑΛΟΠΟΛЄΙΤΩΝ. TypesPan, Artemis, Apollo, Herakles, Zeus seated to front. Games ΛΥΚΑΙΑ or ΛΥΚЄΛ (N. C., 1893, 22; Paus. viii. 2. 1; 38. 4).Methydrium, a town in central Arcadia founded from Orchomenus. Its inhabitants were transplanted to Megalopolis in B.C. 370, but sub- sequently the place became once more independent, when it struck bronze coins. Inscr., ΜΕΘΥΔΡΙΕΩΝ. TypeKallisto pierced by the arrow of Artemis, her child Arkas on the ground beside her (Lambros, Pelop., Pl. XV. 3). See also Achaean League (p. 418). Orchomenus. The ancient capital of a royal dynasty which in early times ruled over the greater part of Arcadia. The town stood aloof from the confederacy of the Arcadians on the foundation of Megalopolis, B.C. 370 (Xen. Hell. vi. 5. 11). Its coins belong to the period imme- diately following that event.
The story of the death of Kallisto as represented on these coins differs from the common version of the tale, according to which Kallisto was first transformed by Hera into a she-bear and then slain by Artemis (Dion Halic., Ant. Rom., i. 49). ImperialSeverus to Geta. Inscr., ΟΡΧΟΜЄΝΙΩΝ. Types Asklepios, Apollo, Herakles, Dionysos, Artemis, Poseidon, Herakles holding kantharos over his shoulder instead of his club and standing beside a satyr, Aphrodite holding apple, Tyche. Pallantium. An ancient town in the district of Maenalia founded by Pallas, son of Lykaon.
See also Achaean League (p. 418). Parrhasia was the district of which the ancient city of Lycosura was the capital. Coins may have been struck there in the name of the Parrhasians. A less probable attribution is the small town of Paroreia (Imh., Mon. gr., 204).
Pheneus, in the north-east of Arcadia, would appear, from the number of its coins still extant, to have been a place of considerable importance in the fourth century B.C. Pausanias (viii. 14. 10) tells us that Hermes was the god especially worshipped there. At Pheneus there was also a temple of Demeter Eleusinia (Paus. viii. 15. 1). The heads of both these divinities and the ram, the emblem of Hermes, occur on the coins.
After circ. B.C. 362.
The head of Demeter crowned with corn-leaves is a close copy of the famous type first introduced by Euainetos of Syracuse. Cf. also con- temporary staters of the Locri Opuntii and of the Messenians. The reverse type of the stater refers to the myth of the rescue of the child of Kallisto by Hermes, who took him to the nymph Maia on Mount Cyllene to be brought up (Apollod. iii. 8. 2). The style of this coin shows that the artist was strongly influenced by the school of Praxiteles. The feeding horse on the bronze coins is the emblem of Poseidon Hippios, whose statue at Pheneus was said to have been dedicated by Odysseus, απολεσθαι γαρ ιππους τω Οδυσσει, και αυτον γην την Ελλαδα κατα ζητησιν επιοντα των ιππων, ιδρυσασθαι μεν ιερον ενταυθα Αρτεμιδος, και Ευριππαν ονομασαι την θεον, ενθα της Φενεατικης χωρας ευρε τας ιππους αναθειναι δε και του Ποσειδωνος το αγαλμα του Ιππιου. Pausanias (viii. 14. 6) further relates that when Odysseus had found his mares he allowed them to pasture in the land of the Pheneatae. For other varieties of coins of Pheneus see Imhoof MG, p. 205. Among them is a curious coin of a late period reading ΕΠΙ ΙΕΡΕΟΣ ΕΡΜΑΞΟΟΥ. For federal money see Achaean League (p. 418). ImperialSeverus to Geta. Inscr., ΦЄΝЄΑΤΩΝ. Phigaleia or Phialia. See Achaean League (p. 418). Psophis, in the narrow valley of the river Erymanthus, where it is joined by its tributary the Aroanius, was the scene of the contest of Herakles with the Erymanthian boar and the Keryneian stag. Of this city there are archaic silver coins of the fifth century (see Imhoof, Zeit. f. Num., i. pp. 117, 123).
The Keryneian stag, and on later coins the boar, were doubtless chosen as coin-types referring to the labours of Herakles. The river Aroanius was famed for its wonderful fish, which were said to sing like thrushes, a fable which is believed by the peasants of the neighbourhood to the present day (Frazer, Paus., iv. 265). Pausanias, who half credited the story, tells us how he saw the fish, but did not hear them utter a sound, though he tarried on the river bank till sunset, when they were said to sing most (Paus. viii. 21. 2).
Second century B.C., and later.
ImperialSeverus to Geta. Inscr., ΨΩΦΙΔΙΩΝ or ΨΩΦЄΙΔΙΩΝ. TypesRiver Erymanthos, Artemis, Pan, Dionysos. Stymphalus. The ancient city of Stymphalus was situated in the immediate vicinity of a lake, a river, and a mountain all bearing the same name, and a few miles south-east of Pheneus. It derived its name from Stymphalos, a grandson of Arkas. It is chiefly celebrated as the scene of the destruction by Herakles of the Stymphalian birds, which are described by Pausanias (viii. 22) as being as large as cranes and in form resembling the ibis, but with stronger beaks and not crooked like those of the ibis. They were said to have been as dangerous as lions or leopards, and to have flown at even armed men who came to hunt them. In Stymphalus there was an ancient temple of Artemis Stymphalia, under the roof of which the Stymphalian birds were represented. At the back of this temple stood marble statues of virgins with the legs of birds. The following coins were doubtless struck during festivals of the Stymphalian Artemis (Paus. viii. 22. 8). Circ. B.C. 400-362.
Circ. B.C. 362.
FIG. 242.
See also Achaean League (p. 418). Tegea occupied the large valley in the south-east corner of Arcadia. The local mythology of the town is abundantly illustrated on its coins. (For illustrations see BMC Peloponnesus, Pl. XXXVII. 6-21, and Imhoof and Gardner, Paus., Pl. V. 20-24.)
IRON MONEY. (?).
It is to this period that a specimen of what looks like money of iron must be attributed. Obv. Gorgon head, Rev. ΤΕΓΕ (?) Owl (Atth. Mitth. vii. 377). See also Argos and Heraea. After circ. B.C. 370.
The type of the charging warrior is almost identical with that of Ajax on the contemporary coins of the Opuntian Locrians and with that of Leukaspis on somewhat earlier coins of Syracuse.
See also Achaean League (p. 418).
After circ. B.C. 146.
ImperialSeverus, Domna, Caracalla, and Geta. Inscr., ΤЄΓЄΑΤΑΝ. TypesAtalanta spearing Kalydonian boar; Athena; Terminal figure of Herakles; Warrior, Kepheus (?) standing. The myths referred to on the above interesting coins are the following. Aleos, one of the grandsons of Arkas, was the founder of the city of Tegea, and of the famous temple of Athena Alea, a full description of which is given by Pausanias (viii. 45). His daughter Auge became the mother by Herakles of Telephos who, by command of Aleos, was exposed on Mount Parthenium. Here he was suckled by a hind. The τεμενος of Telephos was still shown on the mountain in the time of Pausanias. The son of Aleos was Kepheus, who on the silver coins is represented precisely as is Ajax, the son of Oleus, on the coins of Opus (p. 336). The incident recorded on the bronze coins is related by Pausanias (viii. 47) Τεγεαταις δε εστι και αλλο ιερον Αθηνας Πολιατιδος εκαστου δε απαξ ετους ιερευς ες αυτο εσεισι. το του Ερυματος ιερον ονομαζουσι, λεγοντες ως Κηφει τω Αλεου γενοιτο δωρεα παρα Αθηνας αναλωτον ες τον παντα χρονον ειναι Τεγεαν και αυτω φασιν ες φυλακην της πολεως αποτεμουσαν την θεον δουναι τριχων των Μεδουσης. Apollodorus (ii. 7) tells the story in greater detail, and says that Sterope, the daughter of Kepheus, received the hair in a brazen hydria.Teuthis. See Achaean League (p. 418). Thaliadae is mentioned by Paus. viii. 25. 2 among other small places in the territory of Cleitor, on the upper course of the river Ladon. The following archaic coins have been assigned to it, but the attribution is very doubtful.
Theisoa. See Achaean League (p. 418). Thelpusa took its name from the nymph Thelpusa, daughter of the river Ladon, an affluent of the Alpheius in western Arcadia. Demeter was worshipped at Thelpusa under the name of Erinys (Paus. viii. 25), and on the banks of the Ladon arose the myth of the pursuit of Demeter by Poseidon, when, to escape him, she assumed the form of a mare. But the god was not to be so deceived, and transformed himself into a horse. The offspring of this union was the wondrous horse Areion, in the Arcadian dialect Εριων. (See Zeit. f. Num., i. p. 125.)
See also Achaean League (p. 418).
After circ. B.C. 146.
ImperialSeverus to Geta. Inscr., ΘЄΛΠΟΥCΙΩΝ TypesYoung Pan resting on lagobolon and placing his hand on the top of a reed. This type has been explained by Imhoof-Blumer (Zeit. f. Num., i. 134). It represents Pan in the act of seizing the nymph Syrinx, who in the same instant was transformed into a reed, Ο Παν ουν εδιοκεν αυτην δρομον ερωτικον, την δ υλη τις δεχεται δασεια φευγουσαν. Ο δε Παν κατa ποδας εισθορων, ωρεγε την χειρα ως επ αυτην. Και ο μεν ωετο τεθηρακεναι και εχεσθαι των τριχων, καλαμων δε κομην ειχεν η χειρ. (Achilles Tatius, viii. 6.) For other types see Imhoof and Gardner, Paus., p. 102. Peloponnesus
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Coins| of |Peloponnesos for |sale in the |Forum |Ancient |Coins |shop. Babelon, E. Trait des Monnaies Grecques et Romaines. (Paris, 1901-1932). The history of the coinage of the Peloponnesus, regarded as a whole, may be summed up in a few words. From the age of Pheidon of Argos down to the Persian wars the only coins generally current in Peloponnesus were on the north coast the Corinthian Pegasos staters, elsewhere the staters of Aegina. In the interior the Arcadian triobols served the purpose of small change. The Aeginetic standard continued to be everywhere prevalent in Peloponnesus. The splendid and varied series of Elis does not begin before the close of the period of archaic art (circ. B.C. 471). Between the Persian and Peloponnesian wars we note an increase in the number of Arcadian mints, Cleitor, Heraea, Mantineia, Pallantium, Paroreia, and Psophis all issuing small silver coins in addition to the money of the Arcadian League. In the next period, B.C. 430-370, the Arcadian Federal money is entirely superseded by the local issues of the various Arcadian cities. The place occupied of old by the Aeginetic stater is now filled by the beautiful staters of Elis, Sicyon, and Argos. With the restoration of Messene and the renewal, under Theban auspices of the Arcadian Confederation, B.C. 370, Messene and Megalopolis were added to the now considerable number of Peloponnesian mints. After B.C. 322, when Peloponnesus had for the most part fallen under Macedonian dominion, the greater number of the Peloponnesian towns ceased to strike silver in their own names, and between B.C. 280 and 146 the Federal coinage of the Achaean League became little by little the chief currency in Peloponnesus, the types and style of which the few mints which held aloof from the League tended more and more to imitate. With the constitution of the Roman Province in B.C. 146, all silver money (except perhaps at Patrae) was put an end to. Bronze coins continued, however, to be issued at many towns. As a rule the Imperial coinage is confined to the time of Sept. Severus and his family. PHLIASIAPhlius, in N.E. Peloponnesus, was situated at a point commanding three narrow valleys through which flowed the tributary head-streams of the R. Asopus. At the junction of these valleys was a fortified summit, Τρικαρανον. The following staters of Euboc weight, formerly assigned to Phaselis in Lycia (Hist. Num., 1st ed., p. 579), are attributed by J. P. Six (Num. Chron., 1888, p. 97) to Phlius. The triskeles, he thinks, is an indication of the geographical conformation of the territory of the city.
The incuse on the reverse is of the early Aeginetic rather than of the Euboc pattern, and the fact that all the later coins of Phlius are of Aeginetic weight is sufficient to show that the commercial relations of Phlius were more intimate with Aegina than with Athens or Euboea. Cf. the stater of Aegina (?) with the Phliasian (?) triskeles on the reverse (see Aegina, p. 397). The next series of Phliasian coins dates from the latter part of the fifth century B.C.
Circ. B.C. 430-322.
In the center of the wheel there is usually a pellet enclosed in a circle, which may symbolize the omphalos, a sacred stone at Phlius, which the inhabitants, with unaccountable ignorance of distances, affirmed to be the center of Peloponnesus (Paus. ii. 13, 3). The hemidrachms and smaller coins are uninscribed, but bear on the reverse a large Φ instead of the wheel, sometimes accompanied by pellets or bunches of grapes. The types of the Phliasian coins remained unchanged down to the time of the Macedonian conquest, circ. B.C. 322, except that on the latest class the Φ on the reverse is encircled with an ivy-wreath. After B.C. 322 the coinage of Phlius comes to an end. The bronze coins of the fourth century for the most part resemble the silver, but on some specimens the bull on the obverse is replaced by a head of Athena or of Zeus. See also Achaean League.
Imperial of Severus, Domna, Caracalla, and Geta. Types: Artemis
huntress, Herakles standing, Asklepios, Tyche sacrificing.
SICYONIA[Annali di Corrispondenza archeologica, 1830, p. 336; BMC Peloponnesus; Lambros, Pelop., 34 ff. ; Babelon, Trait, pp. 816 ff.] Sicyon, during the period of its greatest prosperity, consisted of an acropolis about two miles from the Corinthian Gulf, a lower town at its foot, and a port-town. The large number of its coins still extant sufficiently attests the ancient wealth and commercial importance of the city. It does not appear to have struck many coins before the Persian wars, nor indeed does its money become plentiful much before B.C. 400, but from this time down to the Roman conquest (B.C. 146) the Sicyonian mint would seem to have been the most prolific in the whole of Peloponnesus.
Circ. B.C. 400 or earlier to circ. B.C. 323.
Without Incuse Square.
FIG. 222.
GOLD.
The two following gold coins (wt. c. 47 grs.), if they are genuine, which is very doubtful, must be assigned to this period :
BRONZE. Circ. B.C. 323-251.
The bronze coins of Sicyon are numerous. Some of them certainly belong to the latter part of the fourth century and to the first half of the third century B.C. Weil (Z. f. N., vii. 376) would attribute them to an earlier period, because some of them bear on the reverse the letters ΕΥ which he believes to stand for Euphron, one of the tyrants of Sicyon, shortly after B.C. 368.
Circ. B.C. 251-146.
Later in style than these Alexandrine tetradrachms are the following series of Aeginetic triobols (or Attic tetrobols) and bronze :
Among the magistrates names the following occur:ΑΙΝΕΙΑΣ, ΑΛΕΞΙΩΝ, ΑΜΕΙΝΙΑΣ, ΑΝΔΡΩΝΙΔΑΣ, ΘΡΑΣΥΚΛΗΣ, ΚΛΕΑΝΔΡΟΣ, ΛΥΔΙΑΔΑΣ, ΞΕΝΟΤΙΜΟΣ, ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΔΑΣ, ΠΟΛΥΚΡΑΤΗΣ, ΠΡΟ- ΜΑΧΙΔΑΣ, ΣΩΣΙΚΡΑΤΗΣ.
From the late style of these coins it seems certain that they are autonomous issues struck for local use after B.C. 251, in which year Sicyon joined the Achaean League. They are consequently contemporary with her silver and bronze money of the Federal types. See p. 417. Concerning the coins of Sicyon, Leake remarks (Num Hell., p. 95) that the change from ΣΕΚΥΩΝ or ΣΕΙΚΥΩΝ to ΣΙΚΥΩΝ occurred about the time of Alexander the Great. The bird is probably the rock pigeon, great numbers of which still inhabit the cliffs that surround the ancient site. They were perhaps sacred to Apollo or Aphrodite, whose temple was one of the principal edifices of Sicyon, and in which there was a seated statue of the goddess by Canachus (Paus. ii. 10). The Σ, which so frequently occurs as a coin type, was the device of the city, and was placed by the Sicyonians on their shields (Xen. Hell. iv. 4). The use of the initial letter as a blazon was common in the Peloponnesus. Cf. on coins, Argos, Heraea, Epidaurus, Cleonae, etc. and for shields, Lacedaemon and Messene. Imperial coins exist from Nero to Geta. Inscr., CΙΚΥΩΝΙΩΝ. Types, various; the most remarkable is a representation of a tomb (cf. Paus. ii. 7, 2). The coin shows a small distyle temple on a rock, flanked by two tall terminal figures, and by two cypress trees. Another coin has for type a Maenad in attitude of frenzy, holding a sword and a bunch of grapes, perhaps one of the Maenads in the temple of Dionysos at Sicyon mentioned by Pausanias (ii. 7. 5). Another very frequent type is a naked Apollo with hands raised, holding a long fillet. There also occur on Imperial coins of Sicyon figures of Aphrodite and Eros, of Dionysos, of Pan, of Artemis Pheraea (Paus. ii. 10. 7), of Demeter, of Tyche Ακραια (Paus. ii. 7. 5), of Apollo Kitharoedos (Z. f. N., xxiv. p. 60), &c. ACHAIAAegae was one of the most ancient cities in Peloponnesus. Its coins, the oldest of which must be as early as B.C. 500, are triobols of the Aeginetic standard. The goat is clearly a type parlant, as at Aegae in Macedon, Aegeira, Aegospotami, etc. The town gradually fell into decay, and was destroyed circ. B.C. 370, when its coinage ceased. For illustrations see Zeit. f. Num., v. Pl. I; BMC Peloponnesus, Pl. IV; and Babelon, Trait, Pl. XXXVII. Cf. Imhoof MG, p. 157, who, how- ever, attributes the coins to Aegium.
Circ. B.C. 480-370.
Aegeira. To this town, which stood between Aegae and Pellene, the inhabitants of the former place removed when it fell into decay (BMC Peloponnesus, Pl. IV. 7-11).
For Federal coins see Achaean League, p. 417.
After B.C. 351.
Imperial, Severus, Domna, Geta, and Plautilla. Inscr., ΑΙΓЄΙΡΑΤΩΝ, rarely ΑΙΓΙΡΑΤΩΝ. Types, Zeus seated; Nike; Artemis huntress. (Cf. Paus. vii. 26. 2.) Aegium, the chief political and religious center of Achaia, and the meeting-place of the delegates of the various cities which composed the League. With the exception of the federal money (p. 417), bronze coins only are known, unless the silver coins described under Aegae belong, as Imhoof thinks (Imhoof MG, p. 157), to this town. After B.C. 146.
Also of Imperial times, without or with heads of Emperors, Hadrian to Geta. Inscr., ΑΙΓΙЄΩΝ. Types numerous. (See Imhoof and Gardner, Paus., Pl. R.) Among those of interest are the following:ΖЄΥC ΠΑΙC, the boy Zeus as above, copied from the archaic statue of Zeus as a boy at Aegium by Ageladas (Paus. vii. 24. 4; N. C., 1902, Pl. XV. 13). Asklepios seated before altar, round which a serpent coils, in ex. ΑCΓ (= 3 Assaria) Marcus Aurelius. Another coin of M. Aurelius, also with ΑCΓ, has on the reverse the archaic temple of Eileithyia with two long torches standing in front of it (Paus. vii. 23. 5). The following smaller coins are half obols in bronze :
The type of this coin alludes to a local myth, which told how Zeus in the form of a dove seduced the nymph Phthia (Athenaeus, ix. p. 395; Aelian, Var. Hist., i. 15). ΗΜΙΟΒЄΛΙΝ is a variant of ημιωβολιον (J. H. S., 1897, p. 83).
This type is explained by Strabo viii. p. 387 ιστορουσι δ ενταυθα και τον Δια υπ αιγος τραφηναι καθαπερ φησι και Αρατος. Bura, destroyed by an earthquake B.C. 373, but subsequently rebuilt, joined the Achaean League B.C. 275, but none of its federal coins have as yet been found. Imperial, of Severus and his family. Inscr., ΒΟΥΡΑЄWΝ and ΒΟΥΡЄΑΤWΝ. Types: Herakles holding club, perhaps a copy of the statue of Herakles Βουραικος in the oracular cavern, sacred to Herakles, between Bura and the Corinthian Gulf. Temple on hill, at foot of which a portico containing a statue of Herakles (?) (Paus. vii. 25). Eileithyia facing, holding torch. Demeter seated facing, &c. (Hunter Cat., Pl. XXXVII. 22). Dyme, the most western city of Achaia, bordering upon Elis, struck small silver and bronze coins circ. B.C. 350 (Zeit. f. Num., vii. 366). Inscr., ΔΥ or ΔΥΜΑ.
Circ. B.C. 146 or later.
For other varieties, and for coins struck at Dyme as a Roman colony, reading C. I. D. or C. I. A. DVM. (Colonia Julia Augusta Dumaeorum), J. Caesar to Tiberius, sometimes with names of the Duumviri quinquennales followed by the formula EX. D. D. (ex decreto decurionum), see Imhoof MG, p. 162 sqq. See also Federal Coins, p. 417. Helice, the most ancient of all the cities of Achaia, was totally destroyed in the earthquake of B.C. 373, when its territory was incorporated with that of Aegium. The following bronze coin can hardly have been struck long before the destruction of the city.
Circ. B.C. 373.
At this city was a famous temple of Poseidon, called Helikonios, to whose anger the destruction of the town was attributed (Num. Chron., 1861, p. 216). Patrae, originally known under the name of Aro, was a port on the Corinthian Gulf between Aegium and Dyme. As a member of the Achaean League from B.C. 280 it issued silver coins (p. 417), but apparently none of bronze. After the dissolution of the League it appears to have been allowed to retain the exceptional privilege of striking money both in silver and bronze.
Among other types are the following, bearing the names of various magistrates in full :
It was at Patrae that M. Antonius passed the winter before the battle of Actium, B.C. 32-31, and it must have been on this occasion that coins were struck at Patrae with the portrait of Cleopatra, rev. Head-dress of Isis. After the battle of Actium, Augustus established a colony at Patrae, which continued to strike money until the time of Gordian III, Inscr. C. A. A. Ρ. (Colonia Augusta Aro Patrensis). Among the remark- able types are copies of the statue of Artemis Laphria, with her dog beside her, by Menaechmus and Soidas, in the temple of that goddess at Patrae. This statue was transported to Patrae by Augustus from Aetolia. Pausanias (vii. 18. 6) thus describes it, σχημα του αγαλματος θηρευουσα εστιν ελεφαντος δε και χρυσου πεποιηται. A coin of Nero shows the hound, bow, and quiver of the goddess, with the inscr. DEANAI AVGVSTAI (Imhoof, in Rev. Suisse, xiv. Pl. VI. 15). In honor of this goddess a splendid festival was celebrated at Patrae, in which, as Pausanias tells us, the priestess of the goddess, a maiden drawn in a biga of stags, closed the festal procession. This type occurs on coins of M. Aurelius. Another statue mentioned by Pausanias (vii. 20. 5), which is copied on coins of Commodus, is that of Asklepios. Other types show Hermes seated on a rock, with a ram before him, perhaps copied from a statue at Corinth (Paus. ii. 3. 4). The following topographical type is also worthy of remark: Plan of the town and harbor of Patrae; above, three temples; below, a statue on a pedestal. This type is varied on coins of Gordian, where we see a colossal statue in the center of the harbor, galleys within the port, and several small buildings over it. Pellene, the most eastern town in Achaia, struck silver and bronze coins in the latter half of the fourth century.
Apollo Theoxenios was the god chiefly worshipped at Pellene, εστι και Απολλωνος Θεοξενιου Πελληνευσιν ιερον το δε αγαλμα χαλκου πεποιηται (Paus. vii. 27). Pellene became a member of the Achaean League about B.C. 274 (see p. 417). On the Imperial coins (Severus and family), inscr. ΠΕΛΛΗΝЄΩΝ, are figures of Dionysos Lampter (Paus. l. c.), standing naked with kantharos and thyrsos; of Apollo with bow; and of Artemis with torch and bow (Paus. l. c.): πλησιον δε του Απολλωνος ναος εστιν Αρτεμιδος, τοξευουσης δε η θεος παρεχεται σχημα. ACHAEAN LEAGUE[Leicester Warren, Greek Federal Coinage, London, 1863; Lambros, P., Zeitschrift fr Numismatik, 1875, p. 160; Weil, R., Zeit. f. Num., 1882, p. 199; Clerk, M. G., Coins of the Achaean League, 1895.]
B.C. 370-360.
The head of Artemis on the above-described beautiful stater is apparently Peloponnesian in style (cf. the contemporary staters of Stymphalus), and the reverse type of Zeus seems to have been suggested by the seated Zeus on the early Arcadian coins. The attribution of these coins to the Achaeans of Phthiotis, proposed by Gardner (BMC Thessaly, xxix), is therefore open to grave doubt.
Circ. B.C. 280-146.
It was not, however, until the reorganization of the League in B.C. 280, when Patrae and Dyme succeeded in throwing off the yoke of the Macedonians, that the plentiful coinage, which for about 130 years formed the staple of the currency of Peloponnesus, regularly commenced. Gradually, as town after town was brought within the political union, the circle of federal mints went on widening, each town on its admission to the League agreeing to adopt a uniform coinage, not only in silver, but also in bronze; for identity of laws, weights, measures, and coinage was, as Polybius (ii. 37) informs us, imposed by the central authorities upon all the members of the Confederation: οστε μη μονον συμμαχικην και φιλικην κοινωνιαν γεγονεναι πραγματων περι αυτους, αλλα και νομοις χρησθαι τοις αυτοις και σταθμοις και μετροις και νομισμασι, κ.τ.λ. The types of the federal silver coin were as follows :
FIG. 223.
It is upon these symbols, &c., that the classification to particular cities is with more or less probability based. The bronze coinage is historically much more important than the silver, since it offers the name of each city in full, preceded by the name of the Achaeans collectively, e. g. ΑΧΑΙΩΝ ΚΟΡΙΝΘΙΩΝ, &c. Types as follows :
On one side is the name Of the city, on the other a local magistrate's name, nearly always at full length. Zeus Amarios (Strab. 385), called Homagyrios by Pausanias, and Demeter Panachaia were the protecting divinities of the League. Their temples stood side by side at Aegium, where the central assembly held its meetings, εφεξης δε τω Ομαγυριω Διι Παναχαιας εστι Δημητρος (Paus. vii. 24. 2). The towns which took part in this federal currency were about forty- three in number. The probable date B.C. of admission to the League is added wherever I have been able to ascertain it.
In Achaia.
In Argolis.
In Arcadia.
In Elis.
In Messenia.
In Laconia.
ACHAIA (Roman Province)The only Imperial coins of the Roman Province of Achaia which call for special notice are the following, which belong rather to the class of dedicatory medallions than to the ordinary currency, although it is possible that they also circulated as money. It was no unusual thing for wealthy individuals to undertake, on behalf of their native cities, the entire expenses of religious festivals, games, dedications of temples, or other solemnities, in return for municipal honours of various kinds. The sums paid into the local exchequer by such public benefactors, when issued in the form of coin, frequently bore the name of the donor in the nominative case, together with his honorary title and the verb ανεθηκε, followed by the name of the city or province in the dative or genitive. Such dedicatory pieces are not uncommon in Asia Minor, but in Europe they are very rarely met with. The following examples were struck at Corinth by Hostilius Marcellus, the priest of the cultus of the deified Antinos, and by him dedicated to the Achaeans and Corinthians :
ΟCΤΙΛΙΟC ΜΑΡΚЄΛΛΟC Ο ΙЄΡЄΥC ΤΟΥ ΑΝΤΙΝΟΟΥ Bust of
Antinos.
Rev., ΤΟΙC ΑΧΑΙΟΙC ΑΝЄΘΗΚЄΝ Antinos as Hermes leaning on
terminal figure, or as Bellerophon taming Pegasos (Mion., ii. 160.
97, 98).
Another, but with ΚΟΡΙΝΘΙΩΝ ΑΝЄΘΗΚЄΝ.
Rev. Type, Helios in biga (Mion., ii. 180. 239).
ELIS[Gardner, P., N. C., 1879, 221; BMC Peloponnesus; Wroth, N. C., 1892, 11; Bibliogr., N. C., 1898, 328; 1899, 254; 1900, 365; Z. f. N., vii. 110; xix. 204; xxi. 209; B. C. H., iv. 43, and Kekule, Bonner Stud., 1890, 40; Babelon, Trait, pp. 879 sqq.]FIGS. 224, 225. The beautiful silver coins of Elis, of the Aeginetic standard, form a series which, for the variety of treatment and the high artistic ability which it displays, is excelled by no other class of coins in European Greece. There are no coins of Elis which apparently belong to the period of archaic art before the Persian wars, for the Eleians down to B.C. 471 were not collected into a single city (Diod. xi. 154); Babelon, however (Trait, p. 899), sees in this fact no reason why coins should not have been struck in their name at an earlier date. From about B.C. 471 until Elis became dependent upon Macedon after the Lamian war, B.C. 322, the silver staters of Elis form an almost unbroken series. On the earliest specimens the reverse type is in an incuse circle (Figs. 224, 225). Towards the middle of the fifth century a square takes the place of the circle, but not for long, for the circular incuse is reverted to before B.C. 421, and gradually fades off into a slightly concave field during the fourth century. The inscriptions are FΑ, FΑΛΕΟΝ or FΑΛΕΙΟΝ variously abbreviated, and in one instance ΟΛVΝΠΙΚΟΝ, clearly indicating an intimate connection between the coinage and the Olympic games. Babelon (Trait, p. 887) would date the last-mentioned coin as early as, if not earlier than, B.C. 500. The whole land of Elis was sacred to the Olympian Zeus, and the symbols of this god, the Thunderbolt, and the Eagle with a tortoise, a serpent, a hare, or other animal in his claws, the well-known omen of victory sent by Zeus, Διος τερας αιγιοχοιο (Il. xii. 211), form the constant
FIGS. 226, 227. types of the coins of Elis from about B.C. 471-421 (Figs. 226, 227). Other varieties in this period exhibit Nike in various attitudes, running to crown a victor in the games, standing with the sacred fillet in her hand, or seated on a basis, with spread wings and holding palm, fillet, or wreath in her hand. This type is one of the finest compositions in
FIG. 228. Greek numismatic art (Fig. 228). The types of the obverses and the fabric of the pieces connect them with the series ending circ. B.C. 421. To this period of transition from archaic to finest art I am inclined to think should also be assigned the rare coins bearing the figure of the Olympian Zeus standing wielding his thunderbolt and holding on his outstretched arm his eagle, inscr. ΟΛVΝΠΙΚΟΝ (Lambros, Pl. V. 5; Z. f. N., xix. 204 ff), or seated with eagle and sceptre (Lambros, No. 6). Various highly decorative and fanciful designs of thunderbolts (Fig. 227) can be proved also to be contemporary with the types above-mentioned, by the fact that they are frequently combined with the same obverse dies (N. C., 1892, 12). The later series of the period, ending about B.C. 421, are as follows :
The fabric of the coins of this series is peculiar. The flans, before striking, were evidently cast together in a mold consisting of a number of circular chambers connected by a passage for the silver to run through from one to another.
On the reverse of these staters the olive-wreath surrounding the type, henceforth very prevalent, makes its first appearance.
FIG. 229.
On the drachm the Eagles head is sometimes accompanied by a Lizard (cf. Frazer, Paus., iv. 5). The smallest divisions of this series have the simple mark of value Τ (= Tetartemorion), in place of a type, on the reverse. A stater in Sir H. Webers Coll. has the eagles head on a convex shield and a large incuse F as countermark. Cf. the shield series described above.
Circ. B.C. 421-400.
The first introduction of the head of Hera as a coin-type is sup- posed by Gardner (op. cit.) to have taken place both at Elis and Argos about the time of the alliance contracted, circ. B.C. 420, between Elis, Argos, and Mantineia. But, although it is quite conceivable that in the worship of Hera the Argives and Eleians may have found a bond of union, which they expressed upon their respective coinages, we must not attach too much importance to political considerations as influencing coin-types in this period.
FIG. 230. A somewhat earlier head than that of Hera (cf. the older type of fulmen on the reverse) is the powerful and severe head of Zeus (Fig. 230) (BMC Peloponnesus, Pl. XII. 10). The smaller denominations which apparently belong to this stater are the following :
The series which I would place next in chronological order is that which is distinguished by the noble head of Hera on the obverse and by a more realistic type of fulmen on the reverse :
FIG. 231.
It is instructive to compare the bold and large treatment of the features of the goddess on the coins of this series with the weaker, if more delicate, work which characterizes the coins with the same head struck some years later. The period ending about B.C. 400 also includes the following highly interesting specimens.
FIG. 232. The head of the Olympian Zeus on these coins is softer and more ornate in style than the large and more severe conception of the same god (BMC Peloponnesus, Pl. XII. 10) noticed above. It is no less distinguishable from the Zeus-heads which follow it, first, by the smooth and flowing beard instead of the crisp and curly one which characterizes the coins of Arcadia (B.C. 370), and secondly, by the large-leaved wreath which encircles the head and dominates the brow, while the wreath on the later coins is comparatively inconspicuous and often half-hidden in masses of hair. The head of the nymph Olympia, accompanied by her name ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑ, is easily distinguished from that of Hera by her head-dress. The Eleians in the choice of this type perhaps intended to emphasize their claim to the sole administration of the Olympic games. On the following series a similar head of Olympia occupies the obverse instead of the reverse.
It is also to the close of the period ending about B.C. 400 that I would ascribe the fine Hera-head on the following stater. In style (though it is difficult to compare a female head with a male one) it strongly resembles the head of Zeus above described (ibid., Pl. XIII. 1).
Circ. B.C. 400-365.
During the next half-century there are fewer varieties of coin-types. Hera seems to be the only divinity represented, and the predominant type is a more feminine rendering of the bold and large-featured head of the same goddess on the coins of the previous period.
This is the last series of Eleian staters on which the wreath of wild olive surrounds the reverse type, although it recurs on small coins of a much later period. Note also the first occurrence of Ω for Ο not earlier than B.C. 400.
Circ. B.C. 365-323
In the year B.C. 364 the Pisatans, under the protection of the Arcadians, succeeded in wresting from the Eleians the presidency of the Olympic games, and struck on that occasion some small gold coins (see Pisa) with a head of Zeus similar in style to that on the coins of Elis of the last period. Elis, however, before the next festival, was again in a position to assert her supremacy, and from this time down to the Macedonian conquest issued, as occasion required, silver staters bearing on the obverse heads of Zeus. Stylistically these heads differ very considerably from those above described. At first they closely resemble the ideal Zeus-head on the fine coins of the newly founded Arcadian κοινον; cf. the thick and curly beard, and luxurious growth of hair streaming downwards from the temples over the back of the neck in grand wave-like fashion and high relief, which throws into the background the laurel-wreath, hitherto the predominant emblem of the kingship of Zeus. This new and more leonine type of Zeus-head was henceforth universally adopted through- out the Hellenic world (cf. the coins of Philip of Macedon, Alexander of Epirus, &c.) as the final and perfect expression of an almighty god, father and king of gods and men. No further improvement on this noble conception of the head of the supreme deity was possible. It thus became conventional and a type to be copied by successive die-engravers, who, little by little, became more and more careless in workmanship, content with roughly reproducing its most salient feature.
FIG. 233. The earliest and finest examples of this new conception of the head of Zeus on coins of Elis are the following :
The later and inferior examples (BMC Peloponnesus, Pl. XV. 1-3, 7, 8) have on the reverse F A and an eagle with closed wings, sometimes standing on a capital of column or rams head, &c., and with various symbols and letters in the field :fulmen, coiled serpent and ΔΙ (Fig. 234); fulmen, coiled serpent and Η; coiled serpent and ΑΡ; fulmen, wreath, and ΑΡΙ, &c. These coins are all more or less degenerate in style, but it is questionable whether their issue extended beyond the beginning of the Macedonian dominion, B.C. 323. Those reading ΑΡΙ are attributed by Gardner to the tyrant Aristotimus, B.C. 272-271; but this conjecture is disputed by Lbbecke (Z. f. N., xvii. 6) and Lambropoulos (Coins found at Mycenae, p. 22), who suggest that the letters ΑΡΙ may stand for an officina of a mint, as they occur also on contemporary coins of Argos, and of Corinth. All three cities may have had their money struck at one mint.
FIG. 234.
Circ. B.C. 323-312.
If any coins were struck at Elis during this period of Macedonian supremacy, they will probably be identified among the Alexandrine tetradrachms with symbol, fulmen (cf. Mller, Nos. 894-5).
Circ. B.C. 312-191.
On the expulsion of Telesphorus, the general of Antigonus, Elis recovered her autonomy and renewed the issue of silver coins, but either on a debased or on a different coin-standard which is identical with that of the coins of the Achaean League.
The first of these coins is a curious reversion to an ancient type long fallen into disuse. The same type of fulmen occurs on late of Lacedaemon.
BRONZE COINAGE. B.C. 323-191.
It is improbable that Elis issued bronze coins much before Macedonian times. The following types are chiefly subsequent to B.C. 312. Obv. Head of Zeus or of Hera. Rev. F A Eagle, Free horse, Zeus hurling fulmen, Fulmen in wreath (BMC Peloponnesus, Pls. XV. 13-16 and XVI. i; Wroth, N. C., 1905, p. 334).
Circ. B.C. 191-146.
In B.C. 191 Elis was compelled by the Achaeans, much against her will, to join their League (p. 418, supra).
Circ. B.C. 146-43.
With the Roman conquest the series of the silver coins of Elis comes to an end, but the town still continued to issue bronze money of base style.
Imperial Times.
Hadrian to Caracalla. Inscr., ΗΛΕΙΩΝ or ΗΛΕΙWΝ. The following types deserve especial mention. Hadrian, rev., Figure of Zeus Olympios seated on throne, holding Nike, and resting on sceptre. Hadrian, rev., Head of Zeus Olympios (Gardner, Types of Gk. Coins, Pl. XV. 18 and 19). There can be no doubt that these two remarkable coins are copies of the head, and of the entire statue, of the world-renowned chryselephantine Zeus of Pheidias at Olympia, and moreover that they are the most faithful copies of this masterpiece which have been handed down to us (cf. Gardner, Coins of Elis, p. 47 sq., and J. H. S., 1908, p. 48 sq.). Hadrian, rev., River-god Alpheios reclining, holding in his right hand a wreath and in his left a reed, at his feet a prize crown containing a palm. It was on the banks of this river that the Olympian games were solemnized, to which the palm in a prize crown here alludes. Aphrodite riding on goat. Dionysos to front holding rhyton and thyrsos, between panther and tympanum (Imhoof and Gardner, Num. Comm. on Paus., 73, 74). Goddess (Olympia ?) standing; holding eagle and olive-branch, between two recumbent river-gods (Z. f. N., xxiv. Pl. III. 1). Pisa. The ancient city of Pisa, a little to the east of Olympia, had been destroyed by the Eleians in B.C. 572, but the descendants of its former inhabitants continued to be distinguished as Pisatans, and in B.C. 364 the Arcadians determined to restore to them their ancient right of presiding over the Olympic games. This attempt proved successful on the occasion of the 104th Olympiad. The Pisatans then seized the temple treasures, and converted them into coin for the payment of troops. A few specimens of this money, which is of gold, have been preserved (R. Weil, Pisa, Z. f. N., xxii. 1900, 1 ff).
After this bold attempt on the part of the Pisatans, the Eleians recovered the presidency of the games, and forthwith ordered the 104th celebration, as having been illegal, to be omitted from the official list of Olympiads.
ISLANDS OFF ELIS[De Bosset, Sur les Med. des iles de Cephallenia et d'Ithaca. London. 1845. Numismatische Zeitung, 1837. Gardner, Num. Chron., 1885, p. 81; BMC Peloponnesus; Babelon, Trait, p. 907.]Cephallenia, the largest of the Ionian islands, derived its name from the hero Kephalos. In historical times this island was a tetrapolis, the land being divided between the four towns, Same, Proni, Pale, and Cranii, each of which seems to have been independent of its neighbours. The money standard of the Cephallenian towns was the same as that which prevailed in Corcyra (see p. 326). (Stater, 172 grs.; [Drachm, 86 grs.]; Tetrobol, 58 grs.; Triobol, 44 grs.; Diobol, 29 grs.; Trihemi- obol, 22 grs.; obol, 14 grs.) Cranii, B.C. 500 or later. The archaic silver money of this town, Inscr., ΚR, ΚRΑ, ΚRΑΝΙ, &c., shows on the obverse a rams head (Stater); ram (Triob.); forepart of ram, Rx. ΤRΙ (Trihemiob.); head of ram (Obol). The usual reverse type is a bow.
Circ. B.C. 400.
On the bronze coins of the fourth century the usual types are :Ram, rev., bow; Bulls head, rev., Κ; Ram, rev., Η; Kephalos standing resting on spear, rev., ΚΡΑ, rams head or hoof; Head of Athena, rev., Κ or Η; Head of Athena, rev., Kephalos kneeling with bow in hand; Helmet, rev., Κ; &c. It will be seen that the types for the most part refer to the myth of Kephalos, and to the cultus of Hermes, his reputed father, to whom the ram was sacred. In B.C. 189 Cephallenia became subject to the Romans, and hence- forth no coins seem to have been issued in the island until the time of Augustus, when C. Proculeius issued coins bearing his own name in Latin with the monogram of Cranium in the Greek character (BMC Peloponnesus, Pl. XVII. 7, 8). ImperialDomna, Maximinus, Philip I, and Otacilia. Inscr., ΚΡΑΝΑΙΩΝ. Types :Man leading bull to the sacrifice; head of Athena, &c. (Lambros, Pelop., 61, cf. Num. Zeitung, 1837, 113).
Circ. B.C. 430-370.
Circ. B.C. 370 and later.
Some of these types occur on the bronze coins. The most frequent reverse type is the corn-grain within the letter Π, or the letters ΠΑ in monogram. Proni, on the south-eastern coast of Cephallenia, was dominated by Mt. Aenus, on the summit of which was the temple of Zeus Αινησιος. This mountain is still covered with forests of fir-trees, which the fir-cone shows must also have been the case in ancient times.
Same, the most ancient city in Cephallenia, stood upon the eastern coast of the island.
Circ. B.C. 370 and later.
For other varieties see BMC Peloponnesus, and Lambros, op. cit. The dog on the silver coins of Same is the hound Lailaps presented to Kephalos by Prokris. Ithaca. This island, which derives its chief interest from the poems of Homer, issued autonomous bronze coins, which appear to belong chiefly to the fourth and third centuries. Inscr., ΙΘΑ, ΙΘΑΚΩΝ (BMC Peloponnesus, Pl. XXI. 8-13).
1 This coin is attributed by Earle Fox, more probably, to Mantineia. Zacynthus, an important island about ten miles south of Cephallenia, and the same distance west of the coast of Elis, contained but one city, which bore the same name as the island, derived, it is said, from Zakynthos, son of Dardanos. The coin-types, however, suggest that Zakynthos was locally identified with Apollo (cf. the epithet Κυνθιος). The crescent moon, on early Zacynthian coins, also suggests a cultus of Artemis Selene or Κυνθια. The chief deities of Zacynthus were certainly Apollo, to whom there was a temple in the lower town, Dionysos, and Artemis. Pliny (xxxv. 15) mentions Mt. Elatus as a remarkable feature in the island, Mons Elatus ibi nobilis. On this mountain fragments of an inscription have been found which show that a temple of Artemis once stood there (Bursian, Geog., ii. 379). The silver money of Zacynthus falls into the following chronological periods. (For illustrations see N. C., 1885, Pls. III, IV; BMC Peloponnesus, Pls. XIX-XXI; Lambros, Pelop., Pl. IX, and Babelon, Trait, Pl. XXXIX.) The weight standard of the silver money corresponds with that of Cephallenia. The state weighs about 180 grs. (max.). Its divisions are thirds, 60 grs., sixths, 30 grs., and eighteenths, 10 grs.
Circ. B.C. 456-370.
Some of the small coins of variable weights bear marks of value, Ο for Obol, Η for Hemiobol.
FIG. 235.
The reverse type of this coin was perhaps suggested by that of the alliance coins issued by Byzantium, Cnidus, Ephesus, Samos, Iasus, and Rhodes, after the battle of Cnidus, B.C. 394. Cf. similar borrowed types on contemporary coins of Thebes and Locri Epizephyrii. Von Sallet (Z. f. N., xviii. 197) would identify the child on the Zacynthian coin with the infant Asklepios, but his arguments are not convincing.
Circ. B.C. 370-350 and later.
It is quite possible that the magistrate Dion, whose name occurs on some of the Zacynthian staters, may have been Dion of Syracuse, who, while preparing his expedition against Dionysius the Younger, B.C. 357, made Zacynthus his head-quarters, and before embarking offered solemn sacrifice with great magnificence to Apollo (Plut. Dion. xxii). The remaining silver and bronze coins of autonomous times are of various types, mostly small, and of careless work. The half-Pegasos on some of them points to relations with Corinth (BMC Peloponnesus, Pl. XX. 7-10).
Circ. B.C. 39-32.
The next series of coins which can be accurately dated are bronze pieces issued by C. Sosius, the general of M. Antony, who must have been for a time governor of the island. Some of these bear the head of Antony, others those of Apollo, Poseidon, or a Dolphin, with ΖΑ, and, in successive years (B.C. 39-32), C. SOSIVS Q[uaestor], IMP[erator], COS. DES[ignatus], and COS. (Lambros, Pelop., 73). The Imperial coins of Zacynthus range from Antoninus Pius to Elagabalus, inscr. ΖΑΚΥΝΘΙWΝ, types, Nike, Zeus, Pan carrying infant Dionysos, Dionysos standing, River-god, Asklepios, Athena, Artemis, Hermes, &c.
MESSEIAMessene. From the close of the second Messenian war, B.C. 668, for the space of 300 years Messenia was subject to Sparta and incorporated in Laconia. It was not until after the battle of Leuctra that the exiled descendants of the Messenians were restored to their country, under the auspices of Epaminondas, and the city of Messene founded B.C. 369 on the western slope of Mt. It home, where stood a temple of Zeus Ithomatas, whose figure appears on the coinage, and in whose honor an annual festival (Ιθομαια) was held (Paus. iv. 33). The coins of Messene fall into the following periods :
Circ. B.C. 369-330.
The beautiful head of Demeter crowned with corn on these coins is a free copy of the popular type first introduced by Euaenetos, the Syracusan engraver. Cf. the contemporary coins of the Opuntian Locrians and of Pheneus in Arcadia. The temple of Demeter on Mt. Ithome is mentioned by Pausanias (iv. 31) as a place of peculiar sanctity, Δημητρος ιερον Μεσσηνιοις εστιν αγιον. The figure of Zeus on the reverse was probably suggested by the statue executed by Ageladas for the Messenians while they were settled at Naupactus, το δε αγαλμα του Διος Αγελαδα μεν εστιν εργον, εποιηθη δε εξ αρχης τοις οικησασιν εν Ναυπακτω Μεσσηνιων (Paus. iv. 33.). On the restoration of the Messenians to their native land the statue appears to have been transported to Messene. It was not, however, placed in the temple of Zeus on Mt. It home, but kept in the Priests house in the lower city.
After circ. B.C. 330.
The Messenians after Macedonian times adopted the Attic standard in place of the Aeginetic previously in use. Tetradrachms were now issued with the old types modified. FIG. 237.
After circ. B.C. 280.
The next series of Messenian silver money resembles in style the contemporary coinage of the Achaean League.
There are bronze coins of all the above periods, of which the types for the most part resemble the silver. For Federal coins of the Achaean League see p. 418.
Imperial Times. M. Aurelius to Geta.
The obverse of the first of these coins represents Messene, the daughter of Triopas, of whom there was a temple at Messene with a statue of gold and Parian marble (Paus. iv. 31). Asine. A town of Messenia built by the Dryopes when they were expelled from Asine in Argolis, at a very early date. The Asinaeans were proud of their Dryopian origin, and in addition to a temple of Apollo they had a shrine and an αγαλμα αρχαιον of Dryops, in whose honor they celebrated a mystery every other year (Paus. iv. 34).
Second century B.C.
For Federal bronze coins see Achaean League, p. 418. ImperialSeverus to Geta. Inscr., ΑCΙΝΑΙΩΝ. Types Apollo Pythaeos leaning on pillar (Paus. ii. 36. 5), Asklepios, Hermes, Perseus, etc. Colone. Imperial of Severus, Domna, and Geta. Inscr. ΚΟΛΩΝΙЄΩΝ and ΚΟΛWΝЄΙΤWΝ. TypesArtemis, Asklepios, Poseidon, Bull, Aphrodite facing, resting on scepter and holding apple. The autonomous coins formerly attributed to this city belong to Colone in the Troad. Corone derived its name from Coroneia in Boeotia, whence it was founded. In the Acropolis was a bronze statue of Athena holding a crow in her hand. It is the head of this goddess which appears on the coins.
For Federal coins after B.C. 184 see Achaean League, p. 418. Cyparissia, the port of Messene. Imperial Severus to Severus Alexander Inscr., ΚΥΠΑΡΙCCΙЄΩΝ. TypesAsklepios, Dionysos, Athena, Poseidon, etc. Mothone. Autonomous bronze. Third century B.C. (?).
This coin-type would lead us to suppose that Lampadephoria were celebrated at Mothone in honor of Hephaestos. Imhoof (op. cit.), p. 171. See also Rev. Num., 1864, p. 187. ImperialSeverus to Geta. Inscr., ΜΟΘΩΝΑΙΩΝ. TypesAsklepios, Poseidon, Athena, Isis, &c., and the Port of Mothone in the form of an amphitheater with a galley about to enter it (Paus. iv. 35. 1). Pylus. ImperialSeverus to Geta. Inscr., ΠΥΛΙWΝ. Types Asklepios, Dionysos, Athena, and Ram on a basis.
ImperialSeverus to Geta. Inscr., ΘΟΥΡΙΑΤΩΝ. TypesZeus, Athena, Asklepios, &c., all with letters ΛΑ in the field, indicating that Thuria, although geographically situated in Messenia, belonged at this time politically to Laconia (cf. Paus. iv. 31. 1).
LACONIA
King Areus, B.C. 310-266.
FIG. 238.
The reverse type corresponds with the description given by Pausanias (iii. 19) of the Apollo of Amyclae, but he makes no mention of the goat, εχει δε επι τη κεφαλη κρανος, λογχην δε εν ταις χερσι και τοξον. The coins which seem to follow next in order of time, and which I would assign to the period between the death of Areus and the usurpation of the tyrant Nabis, are the following :
Circ. B.C. 266-207.
FIG. 239.
King Nabis, B.C. 207-192.
On these coins ΒΑΙΛΕΟΣ and ΝΑΒΙΟΣ are not blunders for βασιλεος and Ναβιδος, but Laconian dialectic forms (see Perdrizet, N. C., 1898, 1). When, in B.C. 192, Sparta joined the Achaean League after the defeat of Nabis, she seems to have struck both Federal and autonomous coins down to the time of Augustus, though the silver money doubtless ceased in B.C. 146.
Circ. B.C. 192-146 and later.
The autonomous bronze money of Lacedaemon is plentiful. The series commences in the third century B.C., and extends into Roman times. The principal obverse types are heads of Apollo, of the Dioskuri, of Athena, of Herakles, of Lykurgos, etc., while those of the reverse are Club, Owl, Eagle, Two amphorae, head of Artemis, the Dioskuri, Pan seated on rock, Artemis huntress, Artemis with torch, Club and caduceus united, etc. The following coin must also be ascribed to Lacedaemon :
(See Zeit. f. Num., vii. p. 17.) The magistrate ΤΙ may be Timaristos the Ephor whose name occurs in full on other coins. It is doubtful whether Κυπαρισσια is here an epithet of Artemis or the name of an agonistic festival; the latter seems more probable. Among other magistrates names is also that of ΕΥΡΥΚΛΗΣ, who was governor of Laconia under Augustus (Strab., p. 366), and of ΑΤΡΑΤΙΝΟΣ (Imhoof MG, p. 172). 436
The following may also be mentioned :
C. Julius Lacon succeeded his father Eurycles in the government of Lacedaemon. His name also occurs on a coin of Claudius.
These coins are remarkable for the mention of the Ephors, a title which does not occur, so far as I am aware, on the coins of any other city. For the history of the family of C. Julius Eurycles see R. Weil (Mittheilungen des Archologischen Instituts in Athen, Band vi). There are also Lacedaemonian bronze coins with the following remarkable inscriptions:
ImperialAugustus to Salonina. Inscr., ΛΑ, ΛΑΚЄΔΑΙΜΟΝΙΩΝ. Principal TypesThe Dioskuri, Apollo Amyklaios, Apollo in the attitude of Apollo Lykios with his hand upon his head, Aphrodite Morpho veiled, seated on square cippus, and apparently with bonds about her feet, as described by Pausanias (iii. 15), Asklepios, Hygieia, Hermes Agoraios carrying infant Dionysos (Paus. iii. 11, 14), &c., sometimes with marks of value ΑC[σαρια], Δ, Ϛ, Η (= 4, 6, 8) in field (Imhoof, op. cit., p. 173). (For illustrations see BMC Peloponnesus, Pls. XXIV-XXVI, and Lambros, Pelop., Pls. X, XI.) Las. This ancient Homeric city was situated a few miles south of Gythium, near the western coast of the Laconic Gulf. ImperialSeverus to Geta. Inscr., ΛΑΩΝ. TypesAthena, Artemis, Herakles, Asklepios, Hygieia, &c.
ISLAND OFF LACONIACythera. This island had in early times received from the Phoenicians the worship of Aphrodite, and throughout historical times it continued to be a special seat of that cultus. Its coins are all of bronze, and for the most part belong apparently to the third and second centuries B.C. Inscr., ΚΥ, ΚΥΘ, ΚΥΘΗΡΙΩΝ etc.
For varieties see BMC Peloponnesus, 107 ff., and Lambros, Pelop., 92. ARGOLISArgos, renowned in legend as one of the most ancient cities in Greece, lay at the foot of a lofty hill overlooking a wide plain, bounded on the south by the broad Argolic Gulf. In the earliest historical times it is said to have been the center of an amphictyony of all the neighbouring towns. None of these ancient cities, unless Aegina was one of them, seem to have coined money before the Persian wars. On the archaic staters with two dolphins, sometimes attributed to Argos, see Uncertain archaic coins of the Aegaean Islands, infra, p. 480 f. A few years before the Persian wars Argos met with a crushing defeat at the hands of the Spartans, which crippled her power and put an end to her prosperity for the space of an entire generation. It was not until about B.C. 468 that, by the destruction of several neighbouring cities, including Mycenae, and the removal of their population to Argos, she regained her ancient importance and began to issue silver coins.
Circ. B.C. 468-421 or later.
The coins which I would attribute to this period are the following :
Most of these coins have from one to four pellets within or about the Α in the incuse square. They are not marks of value, as they do not correspond with the denominations on which they occur. Other small silver coins attributed to Argos bear a helmet On both sides or a rosette on the obverse, and a helmet on the reverse (BMC Peloponnesus, Pl. XXVII. 7, 8). The flower may be a symbol of Hera Ανθεια. The wolf is the well-known symbol of Apollo Lykios, whose worship at Argos dates from very remote times. Hence Sophocles (Electr. 6) calls the agora of Argos του λυκοκτονου θεου αγορα Αυκειος, for here stood the temple of the god (Paus. ii. 19). The archaic aspirate ⊟ on the Hemiobol can hardly in this instance stand for a mark of value for ημιοβολιον, for it frequently recurs on bronze coins of Argos, where such an interpretation is inadmissible. I take it to be the initial letter of the name of the goddess Hera, or of games (Heraea), handed down from archaic times like the Q at Corinth, the F at Elis, and the Μ (= Σ) at Sicyon (cf. the ☧ as a Christian symbol). That the letter ⊟ has this signification seems on other grounds highly probable, for it also occurs stamped upon a roof-tile from the old temple of Hera near Argos, with which may be compared a fragment of large bowl from the same site inscribed ΤAΜ⊟ΕΡAΜΕΙΝΙ (τας Ηρας ειμι) (Waldstein, The Argive Heraeum, I. 224). IRON MONEY.
It is probable that down to the age of Pheidon, king of Argos, iron was the principal medium of exchange throughout Peloponnesus in the form of spits, οβελισκοι, and that the statement of Aristotle (Fr. 481), that Pheidon dedicated specimens of these οβελισκοι in the Heraeum, is worthy of credit. Whether he dedicated them as official standards for regulating the exact weights of the uncoined currency of his own time, as Reinach ingeniously suggests (L'hist. par les monnaies, p. 35 ff.), or whether he dedicated them to the goddess merely as specimens of the obsolete currency superseded by stamped lumps of silver, said to have been introduced by him into Peloponnesus in connexion with his reform of weights and measures, is a doubtful point. It is noteworthy, however, that a bundle of these iron οβελισκοι has actually been discovered on the site of the Heraeum (Waldstein, Heraeum, I. pp. 63, 177). In any case it would seem that even after the introduction of silver coins into Peloponnesus iron continued to be used as money, and that it was occasionally cast (not struck) in the form of coins. Only a few specimens of this iron coinage have survived. They bear the types of Argos, Heraea, and Tegea, and belong to the same period as the early silver coins of those cities (Ath. Mitth., vii. 2, 377; cf. Journ. Int. Num., 1907, p. 269, and Bltter fr Mnzfreunde, 1908). Those of Argos have on the obv. the forepart of a wolf and on the rev. the letter Α. (Cf. Heraea and Tegea.)
Circ. B.C. 421-322 or later.
The coins of Argos in this period are among the most beautiful in Greece, as might be expected from the high standing of Argos as a school of art. FIG. 240.
Concerning the beautiful head of Hera on these coins see Gardner (Types of Greek Coins, p. 138). The statue of the Argive Hera by Polycleitus wore a stephanos adorned with figures of the Horae and Charites (Paus. ii. 17. 4). As such complicated ornaments could not well be reproduced on a small scale, a coin-engraver might naturally substitute a more simple form of decoration. As the Argive hero Diomedes was believed to have brought to Argos the Palladium which he carried off from Troy, the exploit is appropriately represented on Argive coins. The swan and the dolphins are Apolline symbols. The column which appears as a symbol between the dolphins on some of the staters has hitherto been called a quiver, but I believe it to represent a columnar pump or drinking fountain, in connexion with the sacred water of freedom' ελευθεριον υδορ, used by the priestesses in the Heraeum, which, after flowing down a rock-hewn aqueduct, supplied the holy well called Kynadra at Argos (Waldstein, Heraeum, i. p. 18). A minute examination of this object on a specimen in the Brit. Mus. reveals on one side of the column a pump-handle and on the other side a projection (basin (?)) supporting a vase thus placed to receive the water seen dripping from the cone-shaped top of the pillar. On late bronze coins the same pillar-fountain is represented furnished with spouts half- way up the column (BMC Peloponnesus, Pl. XXVIII. 8), and on a coin in the Hunter Coll. (Cat., vol. ii. Pl. XXXIX. 12) the pump is shown with two handles on each side of the shaft. With regard to the Temple-key see Zeitschrift fr Numismatik (iii. 113-22). This symbol may refer to Hera as the guardian and custodian goddess of Argos; cf. the epithet κληδουχος applied in this sense to Athena (Arist. Thesm. 1143).
Circ. B.C. 322-229 and later.
During the century which followed the Lamian war it is probable that if large coins were struck at Argos they were tetradrachms of the Alexandrine types, resembling those of Sicyon of the same time. The smaller coins consisted of Attic tetrobols (or Aeginetic triobols) as follows :
It is to this period that the autonomous bronze money of Argos for the most part belongs, though some of it may be earlier.
This last type refers to the battle of the wolf and the bull, which took place while Danaos and Gelanor were contending for the sovereignty of Argolis. The omen was interpreted as deciding the contest in favour of Danaos, who, in consequence, erected a temple in honor of Apollo Lykios.
Circ. B.C. 229-146.
For coins of this period see Achaean League, p. 418.
Imperial Times.
Trajan to Salonina. Inscr., ΑΡΓЄΙΩΝ or ΝЄΜЄΙΑ, ΝЄΜЄΙΑ ΗΡΑΙΑ, or ΗΡΑΙΑ, without the ethnic, in allusion to the Nemean and Heraean games. The types are numerous and of considerable interest. The following are some of the more important :Herakles strangling the Nemean lion. Opheltes, Hypsipyle and the serpent. Herakles resting at the foot of Mount Apesas. The three Charites. Hera seated with Hebe before her and a peacock between them. Perseus with Gorgon's head, sometimes resting his shield upon a cippus. Apollo variously represented. Zeus seated or standing. Tyche standing. Hermes standing. Kleobis and Biton drawing their mother in a chariot (Paus. ii. 20. 3). Asklepios. Leto with small figure, Chloris, beside her (Paus. ii. 21. 9). Demeter standing. Eileithyia holding in each hand a torch, one raised and one lowered. Hekate triformis. Palladium, sometimes in temple on Acropolis. Diomedes carrying off the Palladium. Dionysos. Danae receiving the golden shower. Ares. Aphrodite (?) standing. Poseidon pursuing Amymone. Nemesis. Isis, &c. Nearly all these types are figured in Imhoof and Gardners Numismatic Commentary on Pausanias, from which the above list is taken. Some of the later Im- perial coins of Valerian, Gallienus, &c., bear marks of value = 6, 7, or 10 Assaria (Imhoof GM, 162). Cleonae, a small town on the road from Corinth to Argos, about twenty miles north of the latter. The Nemean games were celebrated in its territory. At Cleonae was a temple of Herakles on the spot where he slew Eurytos (Diod. iv. 33).
Late Fourth Century B.C.
These bronze coins are, however, assigned by Gardner to the occasion of the Nemean Festival presided over by the Cleonaeans in B.C. 235 (BMC Peloponnesus, p. 154; Plut. Arat. xxviii). For Federal money of the Achaean League see p. 418. ImperialCommodus to Geta. Inscr., ΚΛЄΟΝΑΙΩΝ or ΚΛЄΩΝΑΩΝ. A coin of Severus has for type Asklepios seated, as on silver coins of Epidaurus of the fourth century B.C. Another type which refers to Asklepian games at Cleonae is the head of Asklepios placed on the back of a bridled horse. (Cf. a coiled serpent on horseback, of similar signi- fication, on a coin of Philadelphia, Lydiae.) Among other Imperial types may be mentioned an archaic statue of Athena, perhaps copied from the one by Dipoenus and Scyllis mentioned by Pausanias (ii. 15. 1), Isis Pharia, Artemis between two cypress trees, &c. Epidaurus. This city was in historical times chiefly celebrated for its great sanctuary of Asklepios, to whose cultus its coins bear ample testimony.
These remarkable coins are of considerable archaeological interest, corresponding as they do most minutely with the description given by Pausanias (ii. 27) of the chryselephantine statue of Asklepios at Epidaurus, the work of Thrasymedes of Paros (B.C. 350 or later, N. C., 1892, p. 15). The dog beside the god is the animal which watched over him when as an infant he was exposed on Mount Tittheion and suckled by a goat.
Bronze after B.C. 350.
In B.C. 243 Epidaurus became a member of the Achaean League (see p. 418). ImperialAnt. Pius to Sev. Alexander. Inscr., ΙЄΡΑC ЄΠΙΔΑΥΡΟΥ or ЄΠΙΔΑΥΡΟ[Υ] Bust of Asklepios (?). Rev. ΑCΚΛΗΠЄΙΑ in wreath, in reference to the Asklepian games celebrated at Epidaurus every five years. TypesShepherd finding Asklepios suckled by goat. Asklepios seated with dog and serpent. Asklepios standing. Poseidon standing. Hygieia standing in round temple. Concerning this rotunda see Svoronos, Die Polykletische Tholos in Epidauros (Journ. Int. d'arch. num., 1901, 1 ff.); Reinach (Rev. des Etudes grecq., 1901, 412), and Drpfeld (Hermes, 1902, 250 and 483). Hermione. An ancient Dryopian city on the south coast of Argolis, distinguished for its sanctuary of Demeter Chthonia, in whose honour an annual festival called Χθονια was celebrated.
For Federal money of the Achaean League see p. 418. ImperialSeverus to Geta. Inscr., ЄΡΜΙΟΝЄWΝ. TypesHermes; Poseidon (Paus. ii. 35. 1); Zeus; Kybele; a victimarius leading a cow to the sacrifice (Paus. ii. 35. 4); Tyche standing (Paus. ii. 35. 3); Aphrodite with Eros (Paus. ii. 34. 11); Dionysos, &c. Methana. An obscure town a few miles north of Troezen. Pausanias (ii. 34) mentions hot springs which burst forth near this city in the time of Antigonus Gonatas. The whole region still bears evidences of violent volcanic action. Hence the worship of Hephaestos and his head on the coins.
Circ. B.C. 221-203.
Under Ptolemaic influence Methana bore for a time the name of Arsino and struck bronze coins, which have been hitherto assigned to Arsino in Crete, p. 459.
ImperialSeverus to Geta. Inscr., ΜЄΘΑΝΑΙWΝ. TypesZeus, Poseidon, Athena, Artemis huntress, Aphrodite Anadyomene. Tiryns. This ancient city was destroyed by the Argives about the same time as Mycenae (B.C. 468), and its expelled inhabitants settled at the sea-port of Halice in the territory of Hermione at the entrance of the Argolic Gulf. Henceforth they were spoken of as Αλιεις οι εκ Τιρυνθος or simply as Αλιεις, but on their coins they clung to their ancient name (see Svoronos in Journ. Int. d'arch. num., 1907, 5 sqq.). The following coins belong undoubtedly to the fourth century B.C.
Troezen occupied a fertile maritime plain in the south-east corner of Argolis. Poseidon and Athena are said to have contended for the land of the Troezenians, and these two divinities jointly received worship in the city. Hence, as Pausanias remarks (ii. 30), the trident and the head of Athena were placed upon the coinage και δη και νομισμα αυτοις το αρχαιον επισημα εχει τριαιναν και Αθηνας προσωπον. Troezen was from of old intimately connected with Athens, which accounts for the fact that it is, perhaps, the only Peloponnesian city which made use of the Attic standard of weight.
Circ. B.C. 400-322.
After circ. B.C. 322.
For other varieties see Imhoof MG, p. 181, and BMC Peloponnesus, Pl. XXXI; and for later coins obv. Head of Apollo or Poseidon, rev. Demeter standing with torch, Artemis (?) seated, or Dolphin, see Lambros, Pelop., p. 107. The oracular temple of Apollo Thearios stood in the agora of Troezen (Paus. ii. 31. 6). ImperialCommodus to Philip Jun. Inscr., ΤΡΟΙΖΗΝΙWΝ. Types Acropolis rock surmounted by temple of Athena Sthenias (Paus. ii. 32. 5). Archaic statue of Athena Sthenias, by Kallon of Aegina. Artemis with dog hunting stag, probably Artemis Lykia, whose temple stood near the theatre and was said to have been founded by Hippolytos (Paus. ii. 31. 4). Apollo with arrow, leaning on tripod. The Dioskuri standing (Paus. ii. 31. 6). Zeus standing. Hippolytos as hunter with dog beside him leaning on trunk of tree (Paus. ii. 32. 1). Hippolytos with horse and dog. Hippolytos armed before Phaedra. Aphrodite Nymphia (?) standing (Paus. ii. 32. 7). Asklepios standing. Fountain, Ηρακλειος κρηνη, in the form of a pillar with a lion seated on it and a basin in front into which water flows (cf. Paus. ii. 32. 4; see also column fountain on coins of Argos, p. 439). Theseus lifting the rock or slaying the Minotaur (Paus. ii. 32. 7). Tyche standing before altar, &c.Nearly all these Imperial types are fully discussed and figured in Imhoof and Gardners Numismatic Commentary on Pausanias, p. 47. Sestini mentions also a coin with the type of Artemis Lykia holding a wolfs head (Num. Vet., p. 215), but it is highly probable that he was mistaken with regard to the object held by Artemis.
ARCADIA[A. v. Sallet, Zeitsehrift fr Numismatik, ii. 139. J. Friedlaender, Ibid., ii. 246. Imhoof- Blumer, Ibid., iii. 289; Mon. gr., 184 ff. R. Weil, Z. f. N., ix. 18. Babelon, Trait, pp. 836 sqq.] Concerning the political condition of Arcadia, from the time of the dissolution of the ancient monarchy in the early part of the seventh century B.C. down to the age of Epaminondas, our historical data lead us to infer that the country was split up into a number of independent cantons without any bond of union. Such an assumption is not, however, borne out by the evidence of the early Arcadian coinage. The extensive series of coins bearing the inscription ΑΡΚΑΔΙΚΟΝ, &c., ranging from circ. B.C. 490-417, proves most satisfactorily that the Arca- dians, in spite of their continual dissensions, maintained from first to last something more than a mere tradition of unity, for this coinage, although not politically a federal currency like that of the later Achaean League, shows that the independent Arcadian towns and villages held fast to the religious bond which brought them together from time to time to celebrate in common their national festivals Arcadica. The place of mintage of this series of coins was probably Heraea (see infra, p. 447, and Imhoof MG, p. 184 ff.). Concurrently with these Festival issues many of the Arcadian towns struck coins with their own local types for circulation within their respective territories. From about B.C. 417-371 no Festival coins were struck in the name of the Arcadians; but, after the victory of Epaminondas at Leuctra, B.C. 371, the party in Arcadia opposed to Sparta seems to have re-established the national Arcadian Games, and to have issued Festival, or Federal, coins at the new Arcadian capital Megalopolis, which was founded, under the immediate auspices of Epaminondas, on the river Helisson, near the frontiers of Laconia. The money of the revived Arcadian κοινον derived its types from the cultus of Zeus Lykaeos, and of Pan, whose sanctuaries were situated on Mount Lycaeum, the Arcadian Olympus. Circ. B.C. 370-362 and later.
FIG. 241.
The inscriptions ΟΛΥΜ or ΧΑΡΙ in small characters on the side of the mountain or rock on which Pan is seated have been explained conjecturally as engravers signatures (BMC Peloponnesus, p. lix). May they not, however, be more probably abbreviated names of the Festival Games for which the coins were issued? e.g. ΟΛΥΜ, perhaps on the occasion of the 104th Olympiad celebrated by the Arcadians in B.C. 364 (cf. ΟΛVΝΠΙΚΟΝ on coins of Elis (p. 420). Similarly ΧΑΡΙ might stand for Charisia or Charitesia (Pauly-Wissowa, Encyclop., s. v. Charites, III. 2155, n. 8), agonistic festivals in honour of the Charites; cf. also Charisios, the eponymous founder of the Arcadian town of Charisiae (Paus. viii. 3. 4). The two names on the bronze coins are perhaps Possikrates and Theoxenos, two of the ten founders of Megalopolis (Paus. viii. 27. 2).
The later specimens have an eagle in the field as well as the monogram. Although Megalopolis issued these Festival, or possibly Federal, coins with the Arcadian monogram, it is abundantly proved by the local staters of Pheneus, Stymphalus, &c., which began to be issued after the fatal battle of Mantineia (B.C. 362), that Megalopolis can hardly have possessed a monopoly of coining money for the whole of Arcadia, for although triobols bearing the Arcadian monogram continued to be issued at Megalopolis apparently down to a much later date, this monogram is afterwards replaced by the letters ΜΕΓ (see Megalopolis, p. 450).
Imperial Coinage.
In the reign of Hadrian the cultus of Antinos was established on a grand scale at Mantineia, which was the mother city of Bithynium, the birth-place of Antinos. It was probably at one of the great festivals in honour of this new god that a certain Veturius dedicated the fol- lowing coins to the Arcadians'.
Alea, a small place between Orchomenus and Stymphalus, where were temples of Artemis Ephesia, Athena Alea, and Dionysos (Paus. viii. 23. 1).
See also under Achaean League (p. 418). Alipheira. See Achaean League (p. 418) Antigoneia. See Mantineia (p. 450). Asea. See Achaean League (p. 418). Callista. See Achaean League (p. 418). Caphya. Autonomous bronze coins of the third century B.C.
See also Achaean League (p. 418). ImperialSeverus to Geta. Inscr., ΚΑΦΥΙΑΤΩΝ. TypesApollo, Artemis, Poseidon, Tyche, &c. (cf. Paus. viii. 23. 3). Cleitor, between Pheneus and Psophis (Zeit. f. Num., ii. 168, iii. 280, ix. 19; Imh., Mon. gr., 187), said to have been founded by Kleitor, grandson of Arkas.
Circ. B.C. 450 and later.
The letter Ε on the reverse of these coins is a mark of value standing for Hemiobol'. Circ. B.C. 400-322 and earlier.
See also Achaean League (p. 418). ImperialSeverus, Domna, Plautilla. Inscr., ΚΛЄΙΤΟΡΙΩΝ. Types Asklepios, Tyche, Dioskuri, Demeter (?), Rider (Z. f. N., xxiv. p. 65). Cynaetha in northern Arcadia. Imperial of Caracalla. Inscr., ΚΥΝΑΙΘЄWΝ Agora with colonnade containing temple and another building with statue and tree beside it (Z. f. N., xxiv. p. 66). Dipaea. See Achaean League (p. 418). Elisphasii. See Achaean League (p. 418). Gortys. See Achaean League (p. 418). Heraea. The Heraeans were a numerous and influential clan occupy- ing western Arcadia and the valleys of the Alpheius and the Ladon on the confines of Elis. They derived their name, according to tradition, from Heraios, one of the sons of Lykaon. Down to the fourth century B.C. they are said to have dwelt in villages, κατα κωμας, but the Heraean coins of the sixth century prove that at any rate they possessed a central mint, and therefore that they formed a separate community; cf. the Treaty between the Eleians and the Heraeans, B.C. 550-500 (Hicks and Hill, Greek Hist. Inscr., p. 10).
Between the beginning and the latter part of the fifth century no coins appear to have been struck in the name of the Heraeans, but, as Imhoof- Blumer has shown, it is almost certain that the rich series of triobols reading Αρκαδικον, variously abbreviated, was issued at Heraea through- out this period, so that in point of fact the Heraean mint may have continued active from the earliest times down to the age of Epaminondas. It would therefore seem that, early in the fifth century, the Heraeans assumed the presidency, or were entrusted with the management of the national Arcadian Games, and that at each recurring festival they issued coins, not, as of old, in their own name merely for local circulation, but for the convenience of all Arcadians congregated during the festivals of Zeus Lykaios held periodically on the summit of Mt. Lycaeum (Paus. viii. 38. 7).
Circ. B.C. 490-417.
The head on the reverses of the coins of this interesting series is doubt- less that of the goddess who was worshipped by the Arcadians under the name of Despoina (the Mistress), the daughter of Poseidon Hippios and Demeter, the dread goddess whose true name Pausanias (viii. 37) is afraid to communicate to the uninitiated. The ancient Arcadian festivals appear to have been discontinued in the latter part of the fifth century, if we may draw this inference from the fact that Heraea after this time began again to coin money in her own name, which she continued to do, intermittently, down to the close of the fourth century. [1]
Circ. B.C. 420-322 or later.
The letter Ε on the above coins cannot stand for hemiobolion, as the weights prove. It signifies the mint of Heraea; cf. Τ at Tegea, Μ at Mantineia, &c. But the Ε thrice repeated on the Trihemiobol seems to combine the two meanings.
1 Iron money (?) circ. B.C. 400 (?). In Ath. Mitth. vii. 377, Khler describes an iron coin, Obv. Head of Athena, Rev. incuse circle containing a very obscure inscription read by him ΗΡΑΟΑΙ. I doubt whether this is the correct reading, and consequently whether the coin (if indeed it be a coin) belongs to Heraea. For many other varieties see Imhoof MG, pp. 189 sqq. See also Achaean League (p. 418). ImperialSeverus and Caracalla. Inscr., ΗΡΑΙЄΩΝ. TypesArchaic upright statue of Helios naked, facing. River-god Alpheios with a bull in front and fishes beneath, &c. Lusi. See Achaean League (p. 418). Mantineia, in eastern Arcadia, originally only the center of a small group of villages surrounding an oracular sanctuary (μαντειον) of the Arcadian Poseidon Hippios, grew during the sixth century B.C. to be a fortified town, and from about B.C. 500 began to issue coins in its own name. Poseidon always remained the special god of Mantineia, and his emblem, the trident, was the scutcheon on the shields of the Mantineians (Frazer, Paus., vol. iv. p. 217; BMC Peloponnesus, Pl. XXXIV; Lambros, Pelop., Pl. XIV; Babelon, Trait, pp. 862 ff.).
The bear refers to the myth of Kallisto, the mother of Arkas, who was transformed into a bear by Hera. The acorns remind us of the oak forest, Pelasgos, which encompassed the temple of Poseidon Hippios (Paus. viii. 9. 1). The Arcadians are called by Herodotus (i. 66) βαλα- νηφαγοι ανδρες, because they lived upon the edible acorn of the beech-oak (Zeit. f. Num., 1873, p. 125). In B.C. 385 Mantineia was razed to the ground by the Spartans, and its inhabitants dispersed among the neighbouring villages. After the city was rebuilt, B.C. 370, its coins bear the following interesting types:
After B.C. 370.
The first of these coins refers to the myth of Odysseus fixing his oar in the ground in the country of the men who knew not the sea, according to the prophecy of Teiresias (Od. xi. 121), before performing his sacrifice to Poseidon, whose altar, surmounted by the busts of his ministers, the Dioskuri, is seen on the reverse (Paus. viii. 9. 2). These types plainly indicate the country, not mentioned in Homer, to which Odysseus went in search of a wayfarer who should mistake his oar for a threshing flail (Svoronos, Gaz. Arch., 1888; BMC Peloponnesus, Pl. XXXIV. 23; Lambros, Pelop., Pl. XIV. 14).
In B.C. 222 Mantineia was captured by Antigonus Doson, and its name changed to Antigoneia, under which designation it struck federal coins as a member of the Achaean League (see p. 418). ImperialSeverus to Caracalla. Inscr., ΜΑΝΤΙΝΕΩΝ. Types Apollo, Asklepios, Hygieia, Tyche, Artemis. Pausanias informs us that in the reign of Hadrian the old name of the city was restored to it. Megalopolis, founded circ. B.C. 370, under the auspices of Epaminon- das, as the capital of the new Arcadian League, struck festival or federal money in the name of the entire body of the Arcadians down to, and perhaps during, Macedonian times (see supra, p. 444). The subsequent issues are as follows :
Third and Second centuries B.C.
But in B.C. 244 Megalopolis again fell into the hands of a tyrant by name Lydiadas, and the issue of coins reading ΜΕΓ as above was resumed and perhaps continued after Megalopolis joined the Achaean League, B.C. 234. For coins of the League see p. 418. ImperialSeverus to Elagabalus. Inscr., ΜЄΓΑΛΟΠΟΛЄΙΤΩΝ. TypesPan, Artemis, Apollo, Herakles, Zeus seated to front. Games ΛΥΚΑΙΑ or ΛΥΚЄΛ (N. C., 1893, 22; Paus. viii. 2. 1; 38. 4).Methydrium, a town in central Arcadia founded from Orchomenus. Its inhabitants were transplanted to Megalopolis in B.C. 370, but sub- sequently the place became once more independent, when it struck bronze coins. Inscr., ΜΕΘΥΔΡΙΕΩΝ. TypeKallisto pierced by the arrow of Artemis, her child Arkas on the ground beside her (Lambros, Pelop., Pl. XV. 3). See also Achaean League (p. 418). Orchomenus. The ancient capital of a royal dynasty which in early times ruled over the greater part of Arcadia. The town stood aloof from the confederacy of the Arcadians on the foundation of Megalopolis, B.C. 370 (Xen. Hell. vi. 5. 11). Its coins belong to the period imme- diately following that event.
The story of the death of Kallisto as represented on these coins differs from the common version of the tale, according to which Kallisto was first transformed by Hera into a she-bear and then slain by Artemis (Dion Halic., Ant. Rom., i. 49). ImperialSeverus to Geta. Inscr., ΟΡΧΟΜЄΝΙΩΝ. Types Asklepios, Apollo, Herakles, Dionysos, Artemis, Poseidon, Herakles holding kantharos over his shoulder instead of his club and standing beside a satyr, Aphrodite holding apple, Tyche. Pallantium. An ancient town in the district of Maenalia founded by Pallas, son of Lykaon.
See also Achaean League (p. 418). Parrhasia was the district of which the ancient city of Lycosura was the capital. Coins may have been struck there in the name of the Parrhasians. A less probable attribution is the small town of Paroreia (Imh., Mon. gr., 204).
Pheneus, in the north-east of Arcadia, would appear, from the number of its coins still extant, to have been a place of considerable importance in the fourth century B.C. Pausanias (viii. 14. 10) tells us that Hermes was the god especially worshipped there. At Pheneus there was also a temple of Demeter Eleusinia (Paus. viii. 15. 1). The heads of both these divinities and the ram, the emblem of Hermes, occur on the coins.
After circ. B.C. 362.
The head of Demeter crowned with corn-leaves is a close copy of the famous type first introduced by Euainetos of Syracuse. Cf. also con- temporary staters of the Locri Opuntii and of the Messenians. The reverse type of the stater refers to the myth of the rescue of the child of Kallisto by Hermes, who took him to the nymph Maia on Mount Cyllene to be brought up (Apollod. iii. 8. 2). The style of this coin shows that the artist was strongly influenced by the school of Praxiteles. The feeding horse on the bronze coins is the emblem of Poseidon Hippios, whose statue at Pheneus was said to have been dedicated by Odysseus, απολεσθαι γαρ ιππους τω Οδυσσει, και αυτον γην την Ελλαδα κατα ζητησιν επιοντα των ιππων, ιδρυσασθαι μεν ιερον ενταυθα Αρτεμιδος, και Ευριππαν ονομασαι την θεον, ενθα της Φενεατικης χωρας ευρε τας ιππους αναθειναι δε και του Ποσειδωνος το αγαλμα του Ιππιου. Pausanias (viii. 14. 6) further relates that when Odysseus had found his mares he allowed them to pasture in the land of the Pheneatae. For other varieties of coins of Pheneus see Imhoof MG, p. 205. Among them is a curious coin of a late period reading ΕΠΙ ΙΕΡΕΟΣ ΕΡΜΑΞΟΟΥ. For federal money see Achaean League (p. 418). ImperialSeverus to Geta. Inscr., ΦЄΝЄΑΤΩΝ. Phigaleia or Phialia. See Achaean League (p. 418). Psophis, in the narrow valley of the river Erymanthus, where it is joined by its tributary the Aroanius, was the scene of the contest of Herakles with the Erymanthian boar and the Keryneian stag. Of this city there are archaic silver coins of the fifth century (see Imhoof, Zeit. f. Num., i. pp. 117, 123).
The Keryneian stag, and on later coins the boar, were doubtless chosen as coin-types referring to the labours of Herakles. The river Aroanius was famed for its wonderful fish, which were said to sing like thrushes, a fable which is believed by the peasants of the neighbourhood to the present day (Frazer, Paus., iv. 265). Pausanias, who half credited the story, tells us how he saw the fish, but did not hear them utter a sound, though he tarried on the river bank till sunset, when they were said to sing most (Paus. viii. 21. 2).
Second century B.C., and later.
ImperialSeverus to Geta. Inscr., ΨΩΦΙΔΙΩΝ or ΨΩΦЄΙΔΙΩΝ. TypesRiver Erymanthos, Artemis, Pan, Dionysos. Stymphalus. The ancient city of Stymphalus was situated in the immediate vicinity of a lake, a river, and a mountain all bearing the same name, and a few miles south-east of Pheneus. It derived its name from Stymphalos, a grandson of Arkas. It is chiefly celebrated as the scene of the destruction by Herakles of the Stymphalian birds, which are described by Pausanias (viii. 22) as being as large as cranes and in form resembling the ibis, but with stronger beaks and not crooked like those of the ibis. They were said to have been as dangerous as lions or leopards, and to have flown at even armed men who came to hunt them. In Stymphalus there was an ancient temple of Artemis Stymphalia, under the roof of which the Stymphalian birds were represented. At the back of this temple stood marble statues of virgins with the legs of birds. The following coins were doubtless struck during festivals of the Stymphalian Artemis (Paus. viii. 22. 8). Circ. B.C. 400-362.
Circ. B.C. 362.
FIG. 242.
See also Achaean League (p. 418). Tegea occupied the large valley in the south-east corner of Arcadia. The local mythology of the town is abundantly illustrated on its coins. (For illustrations see BMC Peloponnesus, Pl. XXXVII. 6-21, and Imhoof and Gardner, Paus., Pl. V. 20-24.)
IRON MONEY. (?).
It is to this period that a specimen of what looks like money of iron must be attributed. Obv. Gorgon head, Rev. ΤΕΓΕ (?) Owl (Atth. Mitth. vii. 377). See also Argos and Heraea. After circ. B.C. 370.
The type of the charging warrior is almost identical with that of Ajax on the contemporary coins of the Opuntian Locrians and with that of Leukaspis on somewhat earlier coins of Syracuse.
See also Achaean League (p. 418).
After circ. B.C. 146.
ImperialSeverus, Domna, Caracalla, and Geta. Inscr., ΤЄΓЄΑΤΑΝ. TypesAtalanta spearing Kalydonian boar; Athena; Terminal figure of Herakles; Warrior, Kepheus (?) standing. The myths referred to on the above interesting coins are the following. Aleos, one of the grandsons of Arkas, was the founder of the city of Tegea, and of the famous temple of Athena Alea, a full description of which is given by Pausanias (viii. 45). His daughter Auge became the mother by Herakles of Telephos who, by command of Aleos, was exposed on Mount Parthenium. Here he was suckled by a hind. The τεμενος of Telephos was still shown on the mountain in the time of Pausanias. The son of Aleos was Kepheus, who on the silver coins is represented precisely as is Ajax, the son of Oleus, on the coins of Opus (p. 336). The incident recorded on the bronze coins is related by Pausanias (viii. 47) Τεγεαταις δε εστι και αλλο ιερον Αθηνας Πολιατιδος εκαστου δε απαξ ετους ιερευς ες αυτο εσεισι. το του Ερυματος ιερον ονομαζουσι, λεγοντες ως Κηφει τω Αλεου γενοιτο δωρεα παρα Αθηνας αναλωτον ες τον παντα χρονον ειναι Τεγεαν και αυτω φασιν ες φυλακην της πολεως αποτεμουσαν την θεον δουναι τριχων των Μεδουσης. Apollodorus (ii. 7) tells the story in greater detail, and says that Sterope, the daughter of Kepheus, received the hair in a brazen hydria.Teuthis. See Achaean League (p. 418). Thaliadae is mentioned by Paus. viii. 25. 2 among other small places in the territory of Cleitor, on the upper course of the river Ladon. The following archaic coins have been assigned to it, but the attribution is very doubtful.
Theisoa. See Achaean League (p. 418). Thelpusa took its name from the nymph Thelpusa, daughter of the river Ladon, an affluent of the Alpheius in western Arcadia. Demeter was worshipped at Thelpusa under the name of Erinys (Paus. viii. 25), and on the banks of the Ladon arose the myth of the pursuit of Demeter by Poseidon, when, to escape him, she assumed the form of a mare. But the god was not to be so deceived, and transformed himself into a horse. The offspring of this union was the wondrous horse Areion, in the Arcadian dialect Εριων. (See Zeit. f. Num., i. p. 125.)
See also Achaean League (p. 418).
After circ. B.C. 146.
ImperialSeverus to Geta. Inscr., ΘЄΛΠΟΥCΙΩΝ TypesYoung Pan resting on lagobolon and placing his hand on the top of a reed. This type has been explained by Imhoof-Blumer (Zeit. f. Num., i. 134). It represents Pan in the act of seizing the nymph Syrinx, who in the same instant was transformed into a reed, Ο Παν ουν εδιοκεν αυτην δρομον ερωτικον, την δ υλη τις δεχεται δασεια φευγουσαν. Ο δε Παν κατa ποδας εισθορων, ωρεγε την χειρα ως επ αυτην. Και ο μεν ωετο τεθηρακεναι και εχεσθαι των τριχων, καλαμων δε κομην ειχεν η χειρ. (Achilles Tatius, viii. 6.) For other types see Imhoof and Gardner, Paus., p. 102. Peloponnesus
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