Mysia, Kyzikos
AR Drachm, circa 390-341/0 BC.
Obverse: Head of Kore Soteira left, with hair in sphendone.
Reverse: KYZI. Head of lion left; below, tunny left; star to right.
Reference: Pixodarus Type 2, Group E; cf. SNG BN 408-9.
Size: 15 mm Weight : 2.83 gr Condition:VF
Cyzicus was an ancient city located on the southern coast of the Sea of Marmara, in what is now modern-day Turkey. Founded by settlers from the island of Lesbos, Cyzicus became an important trading center and cultural hub due to its strategic location. The city flourished in the classical and Hellenistic periods, known for its rich agricultural land, commerce, and significant artistic contributions. It was also famous for its large temple dedicated to the goddess Aphrodite, showcasing the city's strong religious and cultural ties to the deities of ancient Greece.
One notable myth associated with Cyzicus is related to Persephone, the daughter of Demeter and the goddess of spring, and her abduction by Hades, the god of the underworld. While the most commonly accepted version of the myth states that Persephone was taken from a meadow in Sicily, some local traditions also suggest that aspects of this story involved Cyzicus and its surrounding areas. This divergence in mythological interpretations emphasizes the fluidity and adaptability of myths in ancient cultures, as local areas often crafted their own versions to fit their cultural narratives and heritage.
Persephone's myth is deeply entwined with themes of life, death, and the changing seasons, illustrating the cycle of growth and decay. According to mythology, Hades fell in love with Persephone and decided to abduct her to become his queen in the underworld. During her absence, Demeter, Persephone's mother and the goddess of agriculture, grieved, causing the earth to become barren, leading to the concept of winter. Seasons changed dramatically based on the presence or absence of Persephone, symbolizing the duality of life and death.
The connection to Cyzicus, although less common, is rooted in the broader narrative of Aphrodite’s influence over love and relationships. Since Cyzicus had a temple dedicated to Aphrodite, it is possible that the local mythology intertwined the themes of love and desire associated with the goddess with the abduction of Persephone. Some traditions depict that the city revered Persephone alongside Aphrodite, associating aspects of fertility and rebirth with the cycles of nature controlled by these deities.
According to the myth, as Persephone was abducted, her cries echoed, and the earth trembled—a portrayal of the emotional toll her disappearance had on both the earth and her mother. In one version of the myth, the people of Cyzicus intervened, attempting to rescue her from Hades’ grasp. Their efforts symbolize local heroism and community action against divine authority, showcasing how communities sought to insert their narratives into larger mythological events.
In many ways, the story serves as a foundational myth for Cyzicus, linking the city to both agricultural prosperity and the darker aspects of nature and the human condition. The duality of life and death embodied in Persephone's story reflects the relationship between the city’s agricultural wealth and its susceptibility to despair during winter, a cycle that echoed throughout Hellenistic life.
Through various artistic representations and local celebrations, the myth of Persephone resonated with the people of Cyzicus, intertwining their identity with the rich tapestry of Greek mythology. While the rape of Persephone traditionally points to the themes of loss and renewal, in the context of Cyzicus, it might have offered a unique narrative infused with local cultural pride and resistance, underscoring the city's resilience against divine misfortune.
In summary, while the primary narrative focuses on Sicily, Cyzicus and its surrounding areas certainly participated in these myths, illustrating the connections between local identity, agricultural practices, and the interplay of divine forces in the ancient world.
Referenz : GCV 3858
Quelle : https://cngcoins.com/Coin.aspx?CoinID=13...
Sammlung : XII Greek Coins - Asia