GCV 1475. Macedonia, Uranopolis Bronze circa 300-290, Æ 14

Macedonia, Uranopolis

Æ 14, ca. 300-290 BC

Obverse: Eight-rayed star, representing the sun.

Reverse: Aphrodite Urania seated facing on globe, holding sceptre.

Reference: GCV 1475

Size: 14.00 mm. Weight: 3.55 g. Conservation: Dark brown tone, VF/About VF

Ex Naville Numismatics sale 64, 2021, 86. From the E.E. Clain-Stefanelli collection

Uranopolis

1. Foundation and Historical Context:

   • Uranopolis was a city founded in the late 4th century BC by Demetrius Poliorketes, a successor of Alexander the Great. The city was established around 316 BC, strategically positioned near the coast of the Aegean Sea, reflecting the Hellenistic interest in urban development and city planning.
   • Uranopolis was intended to be a port city that connected trade routes and facilitated commerce, crucial for the economic revitalization of the region during the Hellenistic period.

2. Cultural Significance:

   • The city derived its name from "Urania," a title associated with Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty. This connection not only underscores the religious significance of Aphrodite in the city but also highlights Uranopolis as a center for worship and devotion to this goddess.

3. Geographical Importance:

   • Located at the intersection of land and sea trade routes, Uranopolis played a vital role in maritime commerce. Its access to the Aegean Sea helped it thrive economically, contributing to the spread of Hellenistic culture throughout the region.

Interpretation of the Coin Iconography

Obverse: Eight-Rayed Star

1. Symbol of Divinity and Light:

   • The eight-rayed star is a powerful symbol in many ancient cultures, representing divinity, guidance, and illumination. Its appearance on the coin may indicate a connection to heavenly or celestial associations, symbolizing divine favor and protection over the city.
   • The eight rays could also signify the eight principal virtues or ideals valued in Hellenistic thought, indicating Uranopolis's aspirations for excellence and cultural refinement.

2. Cultural Context:

   • The star motif aligns with various religious practices within Hellenistic societies, where celestial symbols often denoted the presence of the gods. This suggests a spiritual significance for the city residents, linking their identity to divine qualities.

Reverse: Aphrodite Urania Seated on Globe

1. Aphrodite Urania:

   • Aphrodite Urania, as a divine aspect of Aphrodite, embodies a more ethereal and spiritual form of love, contrasting with her more earthly counterpart, Aphrodite Pandemos. She represents ideals of beauty, harmony, and the divine aspects of love.
   • The portrayal of Aphrodite seated on a globe signifies her universal influence and dominance, reinforcing her role as a benevolent and protective deity who governs not just love and beauty but also the broader aspects of existence and human experience.

2. Sceptre:

   • The sceptre held by Aphrodite signifies authority and power, indicating her position not only as a goddess of love but as a ruler or protector of the city and its people. This imagery emphasizes the importance of divine guidance and influence over civic order and prosperity.

3. Seated Position:

   • Aphrodite's seated position suggests stability and protection. It implies her role as a guardian deity of Uranopolis, bestowing her blessings upon the city and its inhabitants, ensuring their welfare and success.

Conclusion

The Æ 14 coin from Uranopolis encapsulates rich cultural and religious narratives. The combination of the eight-rayed star and the seated figure of Aphrodite Urania reflects the city's aspirations for divine guidance, protection, and the embodiment of beauty and harmony.

Through its imagery, the coin not only serves as a medium of exchange but also as a testament to the cultural identity of Uranopolis, highlighting the significance of Aphrodite Urania in the lives of its citizens. The iconography reinforces the values of the Hellenistic period, intertwining daily life with spiritual beliefs and aspirations, ultimately celebrating the enduring legacy of this unique city in ancient Macedonia.

The Eight principal virtues or ideals valued in Hellenistic thought

In Hellenistic thought, particularly as influenced by philosophers like the Stoics and Epicureans, various virtues and ideals were emphasized that shaped ethical beliefs and personal conduct. While there is not a universally agreed-upon list of eight principal virtues, the following are commonly recognized as key virtues in Hellenistic philosophy, resonating through various schools of thought:

1. Wisdom (Sophia):

   • This virtue refers to practical knowledge and the ability to make sound judgments. It emphasizes the importance of understanding oneself, the world, and the values that guide ethical behavior.

2. Courage (Andreia):

   • Courage entails facing fears and challenges with bravery. In the Hellenistic context, it is associated with endurance in the face of adversity and the ability to do what is right, even when it is difficult.

3. Temperance (Sofia):

   • Often understood as moderation and self-control, temperance involves the regulation of desires and avoidance of excess. It promotes balance in all aspects of life, including pleasures and emotions.

4. Justice (Dikaiosyne):

   • Justice is the principle of fairness and moral righteousness. In Hellenistic thought, it encompasses the obligation to treat others with respect and equity, contributing to societal harmony.

5. Equanimity (Apatheia):

   • While not always present in every list, this virtue reflects a state of mental calmness and emotional stability, especially in the face of challenges or misfortune. It is closely associated with Stoic philosophy, emphasizing the importance of maintaining inner peace.

6. Friendship (Philia):

   • Although sometimes considered a social virtue rather than a personal one, friendship is valued for its role in fostering community and support. The cultivation of genuine relationships based on mutual respect and care enhances personal well-being and sociocultural stability.

7. Fortitude (Karteria):

   • This virtue embodies perseverance and the strength to continue through difficulties. It is tied to resilience and the ability to maintain one’s values and goals even when faced with challenges.

8. Piety (Eusebia):

   • Piety refers to respect for the divine and adherence to religious practices. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining a relationship with the gods and fulfilling one’s spiritual duties, reflecting the Hellenistic blending of ethics and spirituality.

These virtues collectively represent an ideal framework for personal conduct and social behavior during the Hellenistic era, serving to guide individual character and foster a cohesive society. While different philosophical schools may emphasize various aspects of these virtues or interpret them in unique ways, they all reflect the overarching themes of ethical living, the pursuit of happiness, and the importance of aligning oneself with greater societal and cosmological principles.

Référence : Sear GCV 1475

Collection : XI Greek Coins - Europe