Coinage of Marathus in Phoenicia. Interesting aspects of some silver coins attributed to this ancient city.
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MARATHUS: ITS ENIGMATIC SILVER DRACHMS OF ALEXANDER GOLD - STATER TYPES George Halabi * SYNOPSIS This article addresses the captivating Greek silver drachms attributed to Marathus in Phoenicia and said to be minted around 220/230 BC. These coins are considered of extreme rarity. The types are similar to Alexander III gold staters: Athena's head on the obverse and winged Victory on the reverse. Use of these types on silver coinage is not only very unusual but also very seldom encountered in the vast drachm issues of Alexander and his successors. The article presents a brief outline of Marathus and its enigmatic drachms with reference to relevant publications and the very few auctions which featured these coins. In addition the article discusses other related and interesting topics about this ancient Greek coinage. Topics range from old Marathus, its temples and stadium, to Athena, Victory, the Alexandrines and Seleucids, fennel, gold staters, serpents, tripods, monograms, etc. In addition, two unusual silver drachms of similar type (possibly unpublished) are described and recorded. The Appendix shows a number of photos of Marathus; its rare Alexandrine type drachms; and presentations of some other relevant coins. MARATHUS AND PHOENICIA Phoenicia extended geographically in a narrow coastal strip along the east Mediterranean from Laodicea (modern Latakia) in the extreme north to Joppa (modern Jaffa) at the extreme south. It had about 25 cities of which Marathus (also known as Marathos or Amrit) was one of the more famous. Sources indicate that it was founded in the third millennium BC and ultimately abandoned in the first / second century AD. The extensive ruins of old Amrit / Marathus are situated about six kilometers south of the modern city of Tartus, and within few kms from the island of Arwad (ancient city of Aradus). Marathus was a prosperous city within the dominions of Aradus. Both cities surrendered peacefully to Alexander III in 333 BC. During the Seleucid period it was more prosperous than Aradus. In ca. 220/230 BC it is * Member, American Numismatic Society; Member, American Numismatic Association; P.E. (Professional Engineer); Fellow, ASCE; Fellow ACE. 1
Transcript
MARATHUS: ITS ENIGMATIC SILVER DRACHMS OF ALEXANDER GOLD - STATER TYPES
George Halabi *
SYNOPSIS
This article addresses the captivating Greek silver drachms attributed to Marathus in Phoenicia and said to be minted around 220/230 BC. These coins are considered of extremerarity. The types are similar to Alexander III gold staters: Athena's head on the obverse and winged Victory on the reverse. Use of these types on silver coinage is not only very unusualbut also very seldom encountered in the vast drachm issues of Alexander and his successors.
The article presents a brief outline of Marathus and its enigmatic drachms with reference to relevant publications and the very few auctions which featured these coins. In addition the article discusses other related and interesting topics about this ancient Greek coinage. Topicsrange from old Marathus, its temples and stadium, to Athena, Victory, the Alexandrines and Seleucids, fennel, gold staters, serpents, tripods, monograms, etc. In addition, two unusual silver drachms of similar type (possibly unpublished) are described and recorded.
The Appendix shows a number of photos of Marathus; its rare Alexandrine type drachms; and presentations of some other relevant coins.
MARATHUS AND PHOENICIA
Phoenicia extended geographically in a narrow coastal strip along the east Mediterranean from Laodicea (modern Latakia) in the extreme north to Joppa (modern Jaffa) at the extremesouth. It had about 25 cities of which Marathus (also known as Marathos or Amrit) was one of the more famous. Sources indicate that it was founded in the third millennium BC and ultimately abandoned in the first / second century AD.
The extensive ruins of old Amrit / Marathus are situated about six kilometers south of the modern city of Tartus, and within few kms from the island of Arwad (ancient city of Aradus). Marathus was a prosperous city within the dominions of Aradus. Both cities surrendered peacefully to Alexander III in 333 BC.
During the Seleucid period it was more prosperous than Aradus. In ca. 220/230 BC it is
* Member, American Numismatic Society; Member, American Numismatic Association;P.E. (Professional Engineer); Fellow, ASCE; Fellow ACE. 1
thought to have gained its independence. Aradus, having been the stronger and more belligerent neighbour, was intent to again subjugate Marathus and the quarrels between the two continued till about 148 BC when Marathus was finally destroyed and its territories partitioned among the Aradians.
Item 1 of the Appendix shows the location of Marathus (Amrit). To the north-west can be seen the island of Aradus. Items 2 to 6 show photos of some of the ruins of Marathus: Temple of Melkart/Heracles; funerary monuments and graves; and its famous Stadium.
Perhaps of particular significance, enforcing the prominent stature of the city, is its U- shaped Phoenician stadium dating back to the 4th and 3rd centuries BC. It is rock-carved; hasseven rows of seats; and measures 225/230 m by 30/40 m (larger than Olympia stadium which measures 214 m by 30 m). A recent study of the stadium suggests “that its construction may date back to 1500 BC” and that it was “devoted to sports in Phoenicia several centuries before the Olympic Games.”
THE ORIGINS OF THE NAME MARATHUS (OR AMRIT)
Historians attribute the name of this town to various possible roots and legends.
Rawlinson says that the ancient name Amrit: “recalls the 'Barth' of Philo-Byblius and the 'Maru' of the early Babylonian inscriptions, which was used as a general term of the primitive monarchs almost in the sense of 'Syria'. The word is still preserved in the modern 'M'rith' or 'Amrith'.”
The name 'Marathus' according to Babelon, possibly relates to the legendary hero and the town-founder, Marathos, the son of Apollo. Interestingly, he also links it to a plant having medicinal properties called 'marathron' or 'marathon' which, in English, means the fennelplant.
On a lighter note, a small digression into the wonderland of fennel is briefly presented below:
Many sources confirm that fennel, in addition to its culinary attributes, has remarkable medicinal properties: a very good source of fiber; folate (a B vitamin); vitamin C; and a good source of potassium mineral. An important compound found in fennel is anethole (part of its volatile oil) which, in animal studies, is said to reduce inflammation and prevent occurrence of cancer. It grows to gigantic heights of up to 2.5 meters with hollow stems; andits leaves grow up to about half a meter long.
Ancient traditions and Greek mythology mention that Prometheus used the stalk of a fennel to steal fire from the gods and pass it to mankind. The Bacchanalian wands of the god
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Dionysus and his attendants are said to have come from the large fennel plant.
Fennel grew in the fields of Marathon in Greece, where, in ca. 490 BC, one of the ancient wars was fought (named battle of Marathon, after the plant). The story of the famous runner, Pheidippides, recounts that he ran, without rest, from Marathon to Athens (some 35 to 40 kms) to convey to the Athenians the news of victory over the Persian invaders.
This event is cherished and commemorated to this very day in the many Marathon competitions worldwide.
THE COIN—WHO WAS DE LUYNES ?
His full name is Honore Theodore Paul Joseph d'Albert, duc de Luynes, (1802 -1867). Despite his various political, social and artistic achievements, he is perhaps most known for the extensive collection he gave to the French 'Cabinet des Medailles' in 1862. His varied interests included extensive travels, by virtue of which he was possibly able to collect and amass a substantial collection of ancient coins, medals, engraved stones, and Greek vases, all of which he generously passed on to the 'Cabinet' few years before his death.
Jean Svoronos
In his 1890 book Numismatique de la Crete ancienne, Svoronos, on page 4, states that a drachm in the collection of duc de Luynes was classified in Paris as attributed to the town ofAllaria, but that he believed it should rather be attributed to Marathus in Phoenicia. Svoronos is in fact one of the most brilliant numismatists with substantial contributions to the study of ancient coinage. He was apparently the first to attribute the coin to Marathus. He described it as follows:
5. AR 20---Head of Athena, right, dotted border / ALEXANDPOU on right from top to bottom, Nike walking, left, holding wreath with right hand; in field to left, monogram. (Pictured = MP{for R}O{for theta}).
Ernest Babelon
From Duc de Luynes and Jean Svoronos, one moves on to meet another renowned numismatist: Ernest Babelon (Conservateur du Department des Medailles et Antiques). In 1893 he published a book entitled: Catalogue des Monnaies Grecques de la Bibliotheque National, Les Perses Achemenides, Cypre & Phenicie.
Under the heading “Marathus - era des Seleucides, 312 BC” he lists coin no. 1439 which he attributes to the de Luynes collection and states that it is the earliest of the Marathus
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coinage. The coin is described as having, on the obverse, the head of Athena, right, wearing a Corinthian helmet, border of dots; on the reverse it has the name ALEXANDPOU with Victory walking to left, holding a wreath in the right hand and a ship's mast in the left, in field, left, is monogram no. 47 (= MPO, Marathus). The coin is described as AR 20 mill.--Drachm (Attic) 3.85 g, and is shown on his Pl. XXVIII, fig.1.
A photo of this coin is included in the Appendix, Item 7.
To be noted is the fact that the types (Athena wearing Corinthian helmet / Victory standing with wreath, ship's mast and the name Alexander), which appear on this silver drachm, are in fact the types universally (and exclusively) adopted on the gold staters of Alexander and some of his successors. The question as to why these types were used on a silver drachm, remains unanswered. (It is said that possibly the only other known case where such types were used on a silver drachm, was on a Seleucus II coin minted / attributed to Seleucia ad Tigris, as will be discussed later in this article).
The attribution of the first-named drachm to Marathus is largely based on the monogram onits reverse, which is said to represent the three letters M, P (=R), and O (= theta). The letter M is flared downwards; its right leg incorporating the P; and the theta sitting in the valley ofthe M. The formation of the three letters into the sound “mrth” was apparently taken as proof positive that the coin is of Marathus. Babelon says that another coin, he attributes to Marathus, has the same monogram. This other coin is a tetradrachm with the usual Alexander types (Heracles head / Zeus enthroned holding eagle).
The scarcity of these drachm coins and absence of reliable hoard evidence, seem to have caused the monogram attribution to Marathus, to remain unchallenged. A recent find is said to contain four of these drachms within a hoard of Seleucus II and III. If confirmed, this findwould establish a positive connection to the Seleucids and a dating concurrent with II and III.
REFERENCE TO THIS DRACHM IN SUBSEQUENT PUBLICATIONS
Jules Rouvier
The studies of Jules Rouvier covered the cities of Phoenicia. In his 1901 Numismatique des villes Phenicie, (4): Dora, Enhydra, Marathus, Orthosia, he presents, under the heading of “Marathus, Alexandrine types, minted ca. 229 BC”, a coin no. 871. The description provided is almost identical to that of Babelon. References are also made to de Luynes collection, and to Babelon's no. 1439. The same weight and diameter are given. What is noteworthy is that the date is now placed at ca. 229 BC.
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George Hill
In 1910 Hill published his Catalogue of the Greek Coins of Phoenicia, of the British Museum. Listed under the heading of Marathus, as a unitary item under Group A, (immediately prior to 230/29 BC) is the following:
“A. Unique silver drachm of the types of Alexander's gold staters, but without his name, anda monogram apparently representing MAPAO (P=R, O=theta). De Luynes (Babelon, 1439, Pl. XXVIII, 1; Rouvier no. 781; here Pl. XXXIX.2”.
Why the phrase “but without his name” is not understood; the picture on the referenced plate indicates otherwise. This coin is tabulated as 'supplementary', ie not part of the British Museum collection. Item 8 in the Appendix shows a photo of this coin.
Like Babelon, Hill lists few other silver coins (two of which are of interest, as will be explained below), among a large series of dated bronzes over the period 221 BC to 116 AD.
The first of the two silver coins is a tetradrachm of the Alexandrine types with the same monogram as that of the drachm, dated 30 (=230/28 BC). It is the only coin placed in Hill's Group B. A picture of this tetradrachm (Pl. XXXIX, 1) shows the usual types (Heracles / Zeus, name Alexander). On the reverse it additionally has the monogram, the date, and a plant below the monogram (a palm, as in Aradus, or perhaps a 'marathron' ?). A photo is included in the Appendix, Item 9.
The other significant coin is a tetradrachm dated 227/26 BC. On the obverse it has Tyche's head with turreted crown; on the reverse is youth (Marathos) seated on pile of shields and holding a branch (a 'marathron' ?); the word MARAOHNWN (O = theta, W= omega); andthe date 33 (= 227/26 BC). The iconography of this coin is of special interest in that it (1) reaffirms the unique identity of Marathus; (2) identifies with its legendary hero-founder; (3) signifies independence / cessation of violence; and (4) possibly incorporates the fennel plant to which its name alludes. A photo is included in the Appendix, Item 10.
According to Hill's dating in respect of the drachm (230/229 BC) and the two tetradrachms (230/228 and 227/226 BC), it follows that a certain special occasion (or a series of occasions) must have occurred during that period to prompt these issues.
During that time period the Seleucid kingdom was ruled by Seleucus II Kallinikos (246-226BC); and the Ptolemaic by Ptolemy III Euergetes (246-221 BC). These two kingdoms were rarely at peace; each coveting dominion over Phoenicia, Syria, and the East. The third major war between them (the Third Syrian War), extended from 246 to 241 BC. In the course of this war Ptolemy III gained substantial territories in Phoenicia and Syria. Howeverin the last Seleucid counter attack, Seleucus II was able to regain substantial ground.
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The two warring parties finally agreed peace in ca. 241/240 BC. In exchange Ptolemy was awarded new territories on the northern coast including Seleucia, Antioch's port. It is said that after peace was concluded, Ptolemy III rested on his laurels for the remaining 20 years of his reign. He died ca. 221 BC, some five years after the death of Seleucus II.
Other relevant circumstances at the time, in connection with Aradus and its neighbours, are mentioned by Hill: “...by siding with Seleceus Kallinikos against Antiochus Hierax, the Aradians obtained by treaty great advantages, leading eventually to the acquisition of great parts of the Peraea...in 218 BC Antiochus III, on his way south, formed an alliance with it and reconciled it with its possessions on the Peraea.” The word Peraea here designates the coastal territory and towns in the vicinity of Aradus, including Marathus. Accordingly it appears that at that time reconciliation and peace continued to exist between Marathus and its strong neighbour.
Back to Hill's coin dating (230-226 BC) as mentioned earlier, it would appear that relative peace prevailed at that time, providing an opportunity for good neighbourly relations between the two rivals, and a semblance of 'independence' to Marathus. Issue by Marathus of its own independent coinage would possibly have then started, with the first issues being the silver drachm (and the two referenced tetradrachms) to commemorate a long awaited, welcome independence.
Barclay Head
In his 1911 Historia Numorum, Head says that the earliest coins of Marathus are a silver drachm of the types of the Alexandrine gold staters (ref. Babelon, Perses Ach.Pl. XXVIII) and tetradrachms with Alexandrine types, dated the thirtieth year of the era of Aradus (259 =BC 229).
Jean Babelon
Again, one meets with the distinguished Jean Babelon (now Docteur 'es Lettres and Conservateur-Adjoint du Cabinet des Medailles). His monumental work on the De Luynes collection is truly remarkable. In his 1930 Catalogue de la Collection De Luynes, MonnaiesGrecques, III, Asie Mineure et Phenicie, Babelon, under the heading 'Marathus', lists as thefirst coin, the silver drachm no. 3164. The description given of this coin and its picture (in his Pl. CXIV – 3164), are exactly identical to those given in his 1893 work.
Arthur Houghton
More than half a century must have elapsed since Babelon's 1930 work, before this enigmatic drachm is presented again. Houghton has undertaken extensive studies and authored a number of publications on the subject of Seleucid coinage. His catalogued coin
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no. 940 is a silver drachm identical to the one described by Babelon, Rouvier and Hill. The attribution, however, is made to Alexander I Balas who ruled the Seleucids from 150 to 145BC. Why this attribution was made is not clear, perhaps the congruence of names (?) had something to do with it.
A few reasons stand against attributing the coin to Balas. One reason is the 'reported' recent discovery of 4 of these drachms in a hoard, said to be buried in the reign of Seleucus III, and which had coins of later Seleucus II / early Seleucus III and of the Aradian pereia. Prior to this discovery, it seems that the only known drachms were the de Luynes and the Houghton. The writer has so far been unable to locate reliable published information about this hoard. Nonetheless it has been mentioned in the Triton IX, Triton X and the Gemini auctions, albeit with no specific details or references.
Frederique Duyrat
In his interesting fairly recent study “Les ateliers monitaires de Phenicie du Nord a l'epoquehellenistique” published in 2002, Duyrat lists, under 'Marathus', his item 54, a drachm, which is described and referenced in exactly the same manner as that of the de Luynes drachm by Babelon.
THE COIN AUCTIONS
The rarity of this drachm is obviously the reason why it is very seldom offered for sale, or placed in coin auctions. A search on the net yielded very few results of auctions featuring this drachm. The results are presented below. Some relevant information and/or comments mentioned in these auctions are quoted in italics.
Triton IX
Triton IX, Lot 800, 9 January 2006, sold for $ 1,000. (See photo in App. Item 11).
4.03 g, 12h. ; extremely rare; recent discovery of this type with Seleucus II coins suggests
date ca. 220 BC; circumstances of issue remain a mystery.
Triton X
Triton X, Lot 158, 8 January 2007, sold for $2,200. (See photo in App. Item 12).
4.10g, 6h.; extremely rare; finest of a handful known.
Gemini LLC
Gemini Auction IV, 8 Jan. 2008, estimate $ 2,500. (See photo in App. Item 13) .
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4.04 g ; extremely rare; only other silver coin to employ these types was a drachm of Seleucus II from the mint of Seleucia on the Tigris (SC 765)... this link to Seleucus is reinforced by occurence of 4 drachms of Marathus in a Seleucid hoard buried early in the reign of Seleucus III. Included ...were issues of Aradus and other mints of the Aradian peraia, mostly of Alexandrine type, dated to the last few years of Seleucus II and the first of Seleucus III. These coins... thought to represent contributions to Seleucid military campaigns. The drachm of Marathus, though undated, seems to belong to this same context of special levies on the cities of northern Phoenicia
Note: the last statement on contributions/levies is not supported in view of the extreme scarcity of this drachm; such events usually involve substantially large coin issues.
Freeman & Sear
Freeman & Sear Sale 15, Lot 210, 27 June 2008, sold for $ 2,750. (Photo in App. Item 13a).
4.04 g ; extremely rare; extremely fine; etc. This is the same coin as that of Gemini. Description and comments verbatim Gemini.
Goldberg.
Goldberg Auction 72, Lot 4322, 3 Feb. 2013, sold for $ 7,000. (Photo in App. Item 14).
4.4g, extremely rare, this drachm remains an enigma; Marathus gained independence from Aradus in ca. 219 BC, perhaps this issue is connected to this; indicates that town achieved agreat measure of autonomy but not for long as in 148 BC it was sacked by Aradus.
Nomos
Nomos 7, Lot 147, 14 May 2013, sold for CHF 1,700.
The same coin of Triton IX; see above and photo in App. Item 15.
Noble
Noble Auction 103, Lot 3466, 13 August 2013, sold for $2,400. ( Photo in App. Item 16).
4.44 g, extremely rare; description and comments are verbatim Goldberg.
Aphrodite-Gallery
Offered on Ebay (Feb. 2014). Asking price $ 1,700. (Photo in App. Item 17).
4.1 g, mounted on a modern silver pendent; ex. private collector; most likely from Marathus, 230-225 BC; while readily available in gold, it is extremely rare in silver, with less than a handful known to exist.
Rest of description and comments are verbatim Noble.
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***To be noted in connection with the Aphrodite coin:
The photos provided by Aphrodite are not clear enough to ascertain the presence and/or identification of any monogram on the reverse.
Regarding the helmet of Athena on the obverse: unlike the helmet on the other coins which are blank, it has a coiled serpent.
Adornments on Athena's helmets are interesting and varied. They include: coiled serpent; skylla hurling stone; pegasos; griffen; sphinx; quadriga; wreath; etc. But for now adornments will be mentioned only briefly and in relation to the coiled serpent.
SUMMARY: THE DRACHMS AS PER PUBLICATIONS AND AUCTIONS
A. De Luynes drachm (Svoronos/Babelon/Rouvier/Hill/ Head/Babelon). (3.85 g).
B. Houghton drachm.
C. Triton IX drachm, ( Nomos same coin). (4.03 g, 12h).
D. Triton X drachm. (4.10 g, 6h).
E. Gemini and Freeman & Sear drachm. (4.04 g)
F. Goldberg drachm. (4.4 g).
G. Noble drachm. (4.44 g ).
H. Aphrodite-Gallery drachm. (4.1 g, presumably without the mounting).
So all in all 8 drachms are noted and recorded; 7 of which are practically identical, with the same monogram and the same unadorned helmet. The 8th has a helmet adorned with a coiled serpent, but details are not clear and the monogram (if any) is not legible,
To be noted is the aspect of weight and die orientation. As given, the weights range from 3.85 to 4.44 g. The heaviest weighs about 15% more than the lightest. The variation of the heaviest and the lightest from the average, is about 7.5%. The die orientation is given in two cases only: Triton IX at 12h and Triton X at 6h.
The aspects of weight and orientation, perhaps indicate a little laxity in the minting process in terms of strict weight control; and possibly no importance being given to orientation. Considering that these drachms were presumably early issues of the mint, perhaps struck in haste for a short period of time, any such irregularities should perhaps be disregarded as insignificant.
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THE SELEUCUS II DRACHM OF ' SELEUCIA AD TIGRIS ' MINT
Reference has been made earlier to a drachm, possibly the only other case, where the Alexandrine gold-stater types are encountered. It is attributed to Seleucus II and minted in Seleucia ad Tigris ( on the Tigris, closest to the Euphrates). This was an important city founded by Seleucus and one if the major Seleucid mints.
This drachm is shown online at acsearch.info ID:227141 (from 'Forvm Ancient Coins'). It isdescribed as follows:
“Seleukos II Kallinikos, 246-226 BC, Seleukia on the Tigris.
4.049 g, 18.1 mm, 90 degrees.
Obv. Helmeted head of Athena right; Rev. BASILEOS SELEYKOY, Nike standing left, holding palm branch and wreath, monogram. The monogram is quite similar to that on an Alexander-type silver hemidrachm of c. 300 BC from Marathos, Price 3447.”
The coin is stated as very rare and that it was already sold. A photo is included in the Appendix, Item 18.
The condition of this coin makes it difficult to read the inscription and monogram. The helmet (of Athena ?) is not Corinthian but a close fitting crested attic type. The monogram is quoted as similar to a hemidrachm of Marathus as per Price 3447. Direct reference to Price 3447 indicates that this hemidrachm (with the usual Heracle / seated Zeus) has 3 markings on the reverse: anchor (left field); E1 (letters beside); monogram (under Zeus seat). The monogram, in fact, appears quite different from that of Marathus; Price doubts its attribution to Marathus; he says that the anchor possibly links it to Seleucus.
Notwithstanding the above, this drachm has particular significance in that it represents one of the rare occasions where Alexandrine gold-stater types are employed on silver drachms.
Having previously digressed into the wonderland of fennel, another possibly interesting digression will now be made into the land of serpents and tripods.
OF SERPENTS AND TRIPODS
Serpents and tripods often appear on ancient coins. Greek legends and mythology have many references to these two items.
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The Serpent
It is an old widespread symbol taken to represent fertility and life force. It symbolized, by shedding its skin, transformation, rebirth, immortality, and healing. The serpent is also closely associated with Athena.
In old Greece, Athena is goddess of wisdom, philosophy, courage, justice, warfare, arts and crafts. Her symbols include the serpent, owl, olive tree, armour, helmet, spear, aegis and gorgoneion. She never consorts with men or marries, hence Virgin Athena (Parthenos). She is however the adoptive mother of Erechtheus / Erechthonius. How she becomes an adoptive mother is, per legend, as follows:
She once visits Hephaestus (the lame smith-god) to request weapons. On seeing her he is lustful and tries in vain to take advantage of her. She fights him off but a drop of his lust falls on her leg. In disgust, she wipes it off with a bit of wool and throws it away. Gaia (earth) impregnates the soil with it and Erechtheus (the serpent) is born. Gaia gives it to Athena who raises it as foster mother. It grows up and remains a constant companion of Athena.
The story further goes on to say that when it grows up it takes a human form becoming the legendary king of Athens. It is said the Athenians considered themselves Erechtheidai (sons of Erechtheus). They built a temple and made a large statue of Athena with helmeted head, aegis, long spear, shield (with Gorgon's head), large snake, and Victory held in her hand.
This legendary king establishes the Panathenaic festivals in her honour; teaches the people to yoke horses, smelt silver, till with ploughs. His lame feet (as father) make him invent the quadriga in which he successfully competes. This so impresses Zeus that he raises him up tothe sky as the Charioteer constellation.
Back to coins: the legend of Athena and the serpent is often symbolized by means of a coiled serpent adornment, appearing on her helmet.
The Tripod
The story of the tripod in connection with ancient coinage is also of interest. Simply, the tripod is a stand with three legs, (tri = three, pod = foot), being a functional form of stable support. It is used to carry a seat, pot, tablet or some other item. In ancient times the tripod had religious and ceremonial significance. It was normally used for offerings or ritual functions. In Greece it was specifically associated with Apollo and the Delphic oracle. The Delphic tripod was venerated as the seat where the priestess sat to deliver the oracles. The tripod was considered sacred to Apollo.
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In athletic games the tripod was granted as a complimentary honorary gift. It was sometimes inscribed and elaborately decorated. The victor was granted a tripod as a sign of honour, appreciation and esteem. It is said that these victory tripods were placed in the temples and always kept there as valued dedications.
Back to coins: the tripod is frequently depicted on Greek coins. It appears in different forms: (1) as a type on its own (mostly with Apollo) or some other figures; (2) as part of a type design Apollo / tripod; or (3) as a mark or monogram to identify the mint, or to signify special rituals, religious celebrations, or sports event.
A major part of the coins issued by Seleucus II, for example, show Apollo standing, resting his arm on a tripod. As monogram, the tripod was used on a number of Alexandrene coins: gold staters--Athena/Nike (Sardes, Kolophon); tetradrachms-- Heracles/Zeus (Halicarnassos, Pella, Macedonia, Amphipolis); drachms-- Heracles/Zeus (Teos, Kolophone). These cities, in addition to the tripod, used a number of other monograms as well. It would appear that a tripod monogram was, in certain cases, used to identify the mint, and in others to signify or commemorate a special event.
The Combination -- Serpent / Tripod
The combination of the two symbols appears on a few of the Alexandrine gold staters (Athena / Victory). Two examples of Sardes mint (appearing in recent auctions) are described below. Sardes was an important city in antiquity and a major mint during the Alexandrene and Seleucid periods.
Heritage Auction, lot 21153, 6 Jan. 2013, sold for $ 2,000.Alexander III, Sardes mintObv. Head of Athena wearing Corinthian helmet decorated with coiled serpent;Rev. ALEXANDROY, Victory standing left holding wreath and ship's mast, in field left, a tripod.AV 8.57 g., 19 mm, 12h. Price 2537.
Emporium Hamburg, Auction 69, lot 69, 4 April 2013, sold for € 2,100. Alexander III, Sardes mintObv / Rev as above.AV 8.68 g. Price 2537.
Photos of these two examples are included in the Appendix, Items 19 and 20.
THE TWO UNEDITED ( ? ) SILVER DRACHMS
Earlier in this article, the rare silver drachm of Marathus (with the Alexandrene gold- stater types) was discussed. Recalling that all drachms shown had no adornment on the helmet
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with one exception (where it had a coiled serpent), a digression was made into the subject of serpents and tripods. This included the symbolic use of these elements on Alexandrene gold staters (helmet adornment / monogram).
The use of gold-stater types with serpent / tripod symbols, are known only in Alexandrine gold staters. Apparently these types are not recorded or published in conjunction with any silver drachm. However two silver drachms (possibly unedited) with these types and symbols are included in the writer's collection and are presented below:
UnEd. 1--- AR drachm:
Obv. Head of Athena, right, wearing Corinthian helmet adorned with coiled serpent; Rev. ALEXANDROY. Winged Victory standing left, holding wreath and ship's mast, in field left,tripod. 4.73 g., 17 mm, 6h.
UnEd. 2--- AR drachm:
Obv. / Rev. as above. 4.86 g., 18 mm, 6h.
Photos of the two drachms, which are practically identical, are included in the Appendix, Items 21, 22, and 23. UnEd 2 is struck on a slightly larger flan and is fractionally heavier than the first by about and 2.7 %. Both have the same die orientation. As can be seen, they show a high degree of semblance to the gold staters except for some minor differences including: slight variations in Athena's hair especially above the ear; and the way the helmetcrest is rendered and made to fall behind the head.
A few question marks present themselves about these two drachms: (1) the exact location where they were found is not known; (2) to what city or minting authority are they to be attributed ? (3) are they Alexandrine life-time or posthumous issues ? (4) on what occasion was this issue minted ? (5) Does the slightly heavier weight (over the nominal Attic drachm)signify a special issue ? (6) Why are these drachms unknown and not prevalent as is the vastmajority of other drachm issues ? (7) Is there any connection between these drachms, the Marathus drachms, the Seleucids, or the Sardes mint ?
A lot more perplexing questions can be asked. But for now matters are best left for some other future evaluation or study.
13
CONCLUSIONS
This article has attempted to cover a number of interesting and challenging subjects. From Marathus, its rare drachms, their attribution by distinguished numismatists, their recent auctions, to various other topics such as the humble fennel; the Alexandrene stater types; Athena; winged Victory; tripods; coiled snakes, Aradus / Marathus rivalry; the Seleucid/ Ptolemaic wars; and other related matters.
The two apparently unedited drachms were presented and recorded in this article. These twoseem to create more questions than answers. Perplexing ? vexing ? --- perhaps, but it is this stuff that interest in ancient coinage is made of !!
MARATHUS: ITS ENIGMATIC SILVER DRACHMS OF ALEXANDER GOLD STATER TYPES
REFERENCES
The writer is greatly indebted to, and acknowledges with much gratitude the following references. Without the valuable help and assistance of these references, this article would not have been possible.
Publications:
Al Maqdissi, Michel; Benech, Chrostoph, “The spatial organization of the Phoenician city of Amrith (Syria)”, ArcheoSciences, 33 (suppl.), 209-211, 2009.
Babelon, Jean., Catalogue des Monnaies Grecques, Les Perses Achemenides, Cypre & Phenecie, Paris, 1893.
Babelon, Jean, Catalogue de la Collection De Luynes, Monnaies Grecques, III, Asie Mineure et Phenecie, Paris, 1930.
Beven, E. R., The House of Ptolemy, Ptolemy III, London, 1927, at penelope.uchicago.edu.
Boutros, Labib, “The Phoenician Stadium of Amrit”, The Olympic Review, No. 112, Feb 1977.
Boutros, Labib, “Was Phoenician Sport the Foundation of the Olympic Games?”, at africaresource.com , Jan. 2014.
Duyrat, F., “Les ateliers monitaires de Phenicie du Nord a l'epoque hellenistique”, Actes de la table rond / Damas 10-11 Nov. 1999/ Biblio. Arch. et Hist. t. 162, Inst. Francais d'Arch. du Proche Orient, p, 21-70, Beyrouth 2002.
Fennel, The World's Healthiest Foods, at whfoods.org.
Head, Barclay V., Historia Numorum, Oxford, 1911.
Hill, George Francis, Catalogue of the Greek Coins of Phoenicia, London, 1910.
Kontes, Zoe Sophia, “The Dating if the Coinage of Alexander the Great”, Brown University, On Line Publications, at brown.edu.
Lendering, Jena, “Seleucus II Kallinikos”, at livius.org.
15
Price, Martin Jessop, The Coinage in the Name of Alexander the Great and Philip Arrhidaeus, Vols. I and II, Zurich/London, 1991.
Rawlinson, George, History of Phoenicia, London, 1889.
Rouvier, Jules, “Numismatique des villes Phenicie, (4): Dora; Enhydra; Marathos; Orthosia”, Journal International d'Archeologie Numismatique 4 (1901) p. 125-152, pl. Z.
Svoronos, Jean Nikolaus, Numismatique de la Crete ancienne, Macon Protat, 1890.
Coin Depositories:
Ancient Coin Search Engine: (acsearch.info).
Archive of Ancient Coins: (coinarchives.com).
British Museum, Collection online, (britishmuseum.org).
Data bank of Greek, Roman and Byzantine Coins: (wildwinds.com).
MARATHUS: ITS ENIGMATIC SILVER DRACHMS OF ALEXANDER GOLD STATER TYPES
APPENDIX
Item 1: Aerial view of Marathus (Amrit), and Aradus, top left
Item 2: Temple of Melkart/Hercules 17
Item 3: Temple of Melkart/Hercules—closeup
Item 4: Funerary monuments
18
Item 5: Underground grave chambers
Item 6: The Stadium
19
Silver drachm and gold stater photos are enlarged for clarity (coins are between 17 and 20 mm in dia.).
Item 7: Drachm, Babelon no. 1439
Item 8: Drachm, Hill, BM Phoenicia
Item 9: Tetradrachm (Hercules/Zeus), Item 10: Tetradrachm (Tyche/Marathos), on rev. Alexander's name, monogram, on rev. Marathonos name, and date.plant, and date in ex.
20
Item 11: Drachm, Triton IX Item 12: Drachm, Triton X
