Nomos AG
obolos 22 6 Mar 2022
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TROAS. Assos. 4th-mid 3rd century BC. (Bronze, 15 mm, 4.39 g, 3 h). Head of Athena to right, wearing crested Attic helmet with olive branch on the bowl. Rev. ΑΣΣΙ Griffin reclining left; in exergue, uncertain symbol. SNG Munich 157. SNG von Aulock 7586. A well struck and attractive example. Black patina. Good very fine.
Assos was settled sometime during the early first millenium BC by Aeolian Greeks from Methymna, only seven miles distant. The acropolis featured a splendid Doric temple to Athena, who as the principal deity of the town. During the time this coin was struck, Assos fended off a combined land and sea attack from the Persian satrap Autophradates and the king of Halicarnassos, Mausolos, and also invasions of Goths (Galatians). This it was able to do due to its extensive fortifications, the city walls completely enclosing the town and sporting numerous towers nearly sixty feet in height. The walls today are the most complete from anywhere in the Greek world, and are a famed tourist attraction.
Assos was settled sometime during the early first millenium BC by Aeolian Greeks from Methymna, only seven miles distant. The acropolis featured a splendid Doric temple to Athena, who as the principal deity of the town. During the time this coin was struck, Assos fended off a combined land and sea attack from the Persian satrap Autophradates and the king of Halicarnassos, Mausolos, and also invasions of Goths (Galatians). This it was able to do due to its extensive fortifications, the city walls completely enclosing the town and sporting numerous towers nearly sixty feet in height. The walls today are the most complete from anywhere in the Greek world, and are a famed tourist attraction.