Roma Numismatics Ltd
Auction X 27 September 2015
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Crete, Phalasarna AR Stater. Circa 300-270 BC. Head of Artemis-Britomartis right, wearing single-pendant earring and necklace / Ornate trident head; Φ-A between prongs. Svoronos 2; SNG Copenhagen 522; BMC 1-2; Le Rider pl. X, 12-13; SNG Lockett 2596. 11.23g, 24mm, 12h.
Extremely Fine. Rare.
Ex Numismatic Fine Arts XXXIIII, 1984, lot 205.
Britomartis was the Minoan goddess of mountains and hunting, who was later assimilated into classical Greek mythology through her equation to Artemis. She was worshipped as an aspect of Potnia, the Cretan Mother of Mountains, who in Minoan art appears as a demonic gorgon, accompanied by double-axes of power, and gripping divine serpents. Her name Britomartis, which means 'sweet maid', appears to have been an apotropaic euphemism to allay the dangerous, terrifying side to the goddess.
Extremely Fine. Rare.
Ex Numismatic Fine Arts XXXIIII, 1984, lot 205.
Britomartis was the Minoan goddess of mountains and hunting, who was later assimilated into classical Greek mythology through her equation to Artemis. She was worshipped as an aspect of Potnia, the Cretan Mother of Mountains, who in Minoan art appears as a demonic gorgon, accompanied by double-axes of power, and gripping divine serpents. Her name Britomartis, which means 'sweet maid', appears to have been an apotropaic euphemism to allay the dangerous, terrifying side to the goddess.