Nomos AG
obolos 19 8 May 2021
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PHOENICIA. Tyre. Caracalla, 198-217. Tetradrachm (Silver, 25 mm, 12.42 g, 5 h), 213-215. ΑΥΤ ΚΑΙ ΑΝΤΩΝΙΝΟC CΕ Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Caracalla to right. Rev. ΔΗΜΑΡΧ ΕΞ ΥΠΑΤΟC ΤΟ Δ Eagle standing facing with spread wings, his head turned to left holding a wreath in his beak; below feet, club to right; between legs, murex. Prieur 1551. Well-struck. Minor deposits, otherwise, about extremely fine.
The murex was really important for the economy of Tyre. Large quantities of this small sea shell were sacrificed in order to produce the famous in antiquity "Royal Purple" also known as "Tyrian purple" (πορφύρα in Greek), which was a luxurious non fading deep purple dye, with which the imperial mantles were created.
The murex was really important for the economy of Tyre. Large quantities of this small sea shell were sacrificed in order to produce the famous in antiquity "Royal Purple" also known as "Tyrian purple" (πορφύρα in Greek), which was a luxurious non fading deep purple dye, with which the imperial mantles were created.