Roma Numismatics Ltd
E-Sale 40 28 Oct 2017
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Lesbos, Mytilene EL Hekte. Circa 400 BC. Head of Athena right, wearing Attic helmet / Bearded head of Pharnabazos right, wearing Persian tiara, within linear frame; all within incuse square. Bodenstedt 71. 2.51g, 11mm, 3h.
Very Fine.
Pharnabazos was the hereditary Persian satrap of Phrygia, and played a significant role in the Peloponnesian War, offering Persian military and financial support to Sparta. When Sparta in 399 turned on its former ally and invaded Persian territory, Pharnabazos, with the assistance of the Athenian Conon and Evagoras of Salamis, organised the Persian fleet and fought a decisive sea-battle at Knidos in August 394 under his and Conon's command. The battle resulted in the complete destruction of the Spartan fleet. The grateful Pharnabazos then helped to finance the reconstruction of the walls of the Peiraeus. On land however the war dragged on due to the disorganisation of the Persian Empire; when at last in 387, the Persian Great King concluded peace with Sparta, Pharnabazos was recalled from his command in high honour to marry Apame, the daughter of the king. Their granddaughter was destined to marry Seleukos, and thus become the founding Queen of the Seleukid Empire.
6013.15.6
Very Fine.
Pharnabazos was the hereditary Persian satrap of Phrygia, and played a significant role in the Peloponnesian War, offering Persian military and financial support to Sparta. When Sparta in 399 turned on its former ally and invaded Persian territory, Pharnabazos, with the assistance of the Athenian Conon and Evagoras of Salamis, organised the Persian fleet and fought a decisive sea-battle at Knidos in August 394 under his and Conon's command. The battle resulted in the complete destruction of the Spartan fleet. The grateful Pharnabazos then helped to finance the reconstruction of the walls of the Peiraeus. On land however the war dragged on due to the disorganisation of the Persian Empire; when at last in 387, the Persian Great King concluded peace with Sparta, Pharnabazos was recalled from his command in high honour to marry Apame, the daughter of the king. Their granddaughter was destined to marry Seleukos, and thus become the founding Queen of the Seleukid Empire.
6013.15.6