A classic example of the coinage of Tarentum, its Roman name, or Taras, its Greek name. Spartan colonists, led by Phalantos, founded this territory of Magnae Graceia in Apulia (Southern Italy), in 706 BC. The reverse depicts Taras, the eponymous founder of the Greek colony of Taras, a Greek hero, and the son of Poseidon and Satyrion, In Greek mythology, Taras, after being shipwrecked, was sent a dolphin by his father Poseidon, which he rode to traverse the sea. Once on shore, Taras founded a new city, Tarentum, which he named after him. The coin was struck during a period of Roman and Greek alliance over this province, which was connected to Roman as an extension of the Appian Way, one of the earliest and most strategically important Roman Republican roads.
Tarentum, Calabria Silver Nomos
£ 300.00
A fine Ancient Greek silver nomos coin, from Tarentum (Taras) in Calabria, struck under the magistrates Thi- and Aristok-. The obverse of the coin features a warrior on horse, galloping to the right, holding a spear and shield. The accompany legend reads ΑΡΙΣΤΟΚ (Aristok-) below and ΘI (Thi-) in the upper left field, the names of the magistrates under whom the coin was struck. The reverse depicts Taras, the founder of the Greek colony of Taras (Tarentum), nude, riding a dolphin to the left. In his right hand, he holds a trident, with his left hand extended behind him, resting on the dolphin. A cloak flies out around his left arm, imbuing the depiction with dynamism and a sense of movement. The goddess Nike flies above him, crowning him with a wreath. Below the dolphin rider, a rudder has been depicted.
Condition: Fine condition.
In stock
| Weight | 6.37 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | L 1.9 cm |
| Culture | |
| Region | |
| Metal |
