Noble Numismatics Pty Ltd
Auction 125 24-27 Nov 2020
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CILICIA, Satrap of Cilicia, Mazaios, (361-334 B.C.) silver stater, (10.87 g), Tarsus mint, obv. Baal of Tarsus enthroned to left holding corn ear with bunch of grapes and lotus-headed sceptre, behind Aramaic legend "Baal tarz", below and left of throne other letters, torso facing, holding eagle in right hand; 'O' left, dotted border, rev. lion left on the back of a bull kneeling left which it attacks with jaws and claws, above Aramaic legend "Mazdai", all within circle of dots, (S.5650, SNG France 2, 338 var., BMC 57, SNG Levante 101). Lightly toned, extremely fine and a rare variety.
Ex CNG Triton II, December 1-2, 1998 (lot 1366 part).
Mazaios had been appointed satrap of Cilicia around 361 BC. Later, with the addition of Syria, Lebanon, and Israel to his territories, he became one of the Persian king's most powerful subordinates; during this period he put down a Phoenician revolt, which had the support of both the Pharaoh of Egypt, Nectanebo II, and 4,000 Greek mercenaries. For his services, Darius III promoted him to the overlordship of Mesopotamia and sealed it with the promise of marriage to the king's daughter, Barsine, or Statira. At Gaugamela in 331 BC, Mazaios' extraordinary abilities did little to ward of the advance of Alexander III of Macedon, as the flight of the Persian king signalled the collapse of the Persian army and Macedonian victory. Mazaios withdrew his forces to protect Babylon, and on the assurance that the city would not be plundered, the city surrendered. Mazaios proved himself indispensible to the new government through his hospitality and sagacity. Alexander III of Macedon appointed him satrap of Babylonia, the first Persian to be so rewarded by the Greeks. He continued to be rewarded with favorable appointments until his death in 328 BC.
Ex CNG Triton II, December 1-2, 1998 (lot 1366 part).
Mazaios had been appointed satrap of Cilicia around 361 BC. Later, with the addition of Syria, Lebanon, and Israel to his territories, he became one of the Persian king's most powerful subordinates; during this period he put down a Phoenician revolt, which had the support of both the Pharaoh of Egypt, Nectanebo II, and 4,000 Greek mercenaries. For his services, Darius III promoted him to the overlordship of Mesopotamia and sealed it with the promise of marriage to the king's daughter, Barsine, or Statira. At Gaugamela in 331 BC, Mazaios' extraordinary abilities did little to ward of the advance of Alexander III of Macedon, as the flight of the Persian king signalled the collapse of the Persian army and Macedonian victory. Mazaios withdrew his forces to protect Babylon, and on the assurance that the city would not be plundered, the city surrendered. Mazaios proved himself indispensible to the new government through his hospitality and sagacity. Alexander III of Macedon appointed him satrap of Babylonia, the first Persian to be so rewarded by the Greeks. He continued to be rewarded with favorable appointments until his death in 328 BC.