Roma Numismatics Ltd
Auction XV 5 Apr 2018
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Thrace, Maroneia AR Didrachm. Circa 495/90-449/48 BC. Horse protome to left, truncation delineated with pearled band; ΕΠ ΑΡΧ ΕΜΒΟΤΟ around / Quadripartite incuse square. Schönert-Geiss, Maroneia 29 (these dies); Gorny & Mosch 219, 85 (same dies). 7.44g, 20mm.
Near Mint State; probably the finest known example of the type.
From a private European collection.
Maroneia was founded by Chian colonists on the southwestern slopes of Ismaros, in the mid-7th century BC, and soon developed into a prosperous and densely inhabited city-state. According to tradition, the mythical oikistes (founder) of the city was Maron, a priest of Apollo. The city was especially noted for its strong wine, like that which was given by Maron to Odysseus, who used it to intoxicate Polyphemos. Said to be capable of mixture with twenty or more times its quantity with water and possessing the odour of nectar, the wine was esteemed everywhere.
During the Classical period the city had a strong fortification wall, 10km long, enclosing an area of 4 square kilometres, which extended from the coast up to the top of Ismaros. The people of Maroneia's veneration of Dionysus is evident from its famous Dionysian Sanctuary, the foundations of which can still be seen today.
Near Mint State; probably the finest known example of the type.
From a private European collection.
Maroneia was founded by Chian colonists on the southwestern slopes of Ismaros, in the mid-7th century BC, and soon developed into a prosperous and densely inhabited city-state. According to tradition, the mythical oikistes (founder) of the city was Maron, a priest of Apollo. The city was especially noted for its strong wine, like that which was given by Maron to Odysseus, who used it to intoxicate Polyphemos. Said to be capable of mixture with twenty or more times its quantity with water and possessing the odour of nectar, the wine was esteemed everywhere.
During the Classical period the city had a strong fortification wall, 10km long, enclosing an area of 4 square kilometres, which extended from the coast up to the top of Ismaros. The people of Maroneia's veneration of Dionysus is evident from its famous Dionysian Sanctuary, the foundations of which can still be seen today.