GCV 5554 Cilicia, Issos. Tiribazos, satrap of Lydia, 386-380 BC.

Cilicia, Issos. Tiribazos, satrap of Lydia, 386-380 BC.

AR Stater  

Obverse: Facing half-length figure of Ahura-Mazda, head to right, his body terminated by a solar disk, holding wreath in his right hand and lotus blossom in his left. [AMI]

Reverse: [IΣΣIK-ON / 'tribzw' in Aramaic=Tiribazos] Ba'al standing front, head to left, holding eagle in his right hand and scepter in his left.

Reference: Kraay 1030, Casabonne series 1. SNG Levante 175-6. SNG Paris 416-7. SNG von Aulock 5601-2., BMC 21.90,3, GCV 5554 

Size: 19.62 mm, Weight: 10.26 g. Conservation: Obverse somewhat off center, otherwise, Very Fine. Rare.

Tiribazos was a notable Persian general and satrap of Lydia under the Achaemenid Empire. He served as the satrap of Sardis, the capital of Lydia, and was known for his military campaigns and political influence in the region during the 5th century BC. He played a significant role in various events during that period, including conflicts and power struggles within the Persian Empire.

Ahura Mazda and Baal were deities from different ancient religious traditions. Ahura Mazda was a key figure in Zoroastrianism, an ancient Persian religion that emphasized dualism between good and evil forces. Baal, on the other hand, was a prominent god in ancient Canaanite and Phoenician religions. While there may have been instances of cultural exchange or syncretism between different ancient religious practices, Ahura Mazda and Baal were generally associated with distinct religious traditions and worshiped by different groups of people.

An intriguing coin

The AR Stater from Issos, Cilicia, minted during the reign of Tiribazos, satrap of Lydia, between 386 and 380 BC, serves as a remarkable artifact reflecting the cultural and religious syncretism of the period. The obverse features a facing half-length figure of Ahura-Mazda, the central deity of Zoroastrianism, depicted with his head oriented to the right. His body is elegantly terminated by a solar disk, symbolizing divine radiance and cosmic order. In his right hand, he holds a wreath, representing victory and divine approval, while a lotus blossom in his left hand signifies purity and the cycle of life, thus connecting Ahura-Mazda to the themes of creation, rebirth, and fertility. Accompanying this imagery is the inscription [AMI], which may denote the mint or specific cultural context associated with the coin.

The reverse of the coin features the powerful figure of Ba'al, a significant deity in the ancient Near Eastern pantheon, known for his associations with storms, fertility, and agriculture. Ba'al stands in a frontal pose, with his head turned to the left, conveying an authoritative presence. In his right hand, he holds an eagle, emblematic of sovereignty and power, while a scepter rests in his left hand, symbolizing authority and kingship. The inscription [IΣΣIK-ON], alongside the Aramaic word 'tribzw', links the coin directly to Tiribazos, emphasizing the political and administrative context of his reign.

This coin reflects the complex interplay of religious and cultural influences that characterized Cilicia during the late 5th century BC. By featuring both Ahura-Mazda and Ba'al, the coin suggests a desire to unify a diverse population of different backgrounds and beliefs, appealing to both Zoroastrian and Canaanite traditions. The blending of these deities on the same coin indicates a pragmatic approach to governance, recognizing the importance of accommodating various local beliefs to maintain authority and foster communal identity. The dual linguistic inscriptions, represented in both Aramaic and Greek, further highlight the region’s linguistic diversity, illustrating the intercultural dynamics at play in a satrapy under Persian dominion. Overall, the coin serves not only as a medium of exchange but also as a testament to the rich tapestry of cultural and religious life in Cilicia, reflecting the aspirations for divine favor and legitimacy among its diverse populace.

Balancing political and religious influence between two different deities

The combination of deities like Ahura-Mazda and Ba’al on the same coin does indeed suggest a fascinating yet complex interplay of cultural and religious values. While they represent different belief systems—Ahura-Mazda as the embodiment of wisdom, truth, and cosmic order typical of Zoroastrianism, and Ba’al as a more visceral representation of fertility, storms, and agricultural abundance in Canaanite religion—the decision to depict both on the same coin can be understood in several ways:

1. Cultural Syncretism: In regions where multiple cultures and religions coexisted, it was common for societal leaders and rulers to adopt elements from various belief systems. This practice, known as syncretism, allowed for the blending of deities and values to resonate with a broader audience, facilitating social cohesion among diverse populations.

2. Political Pragmatism: For a satrap like Tiribazos governing a culturally diverse area, representing multiple deities could be a political strategy aimed at appealing to various groups within the population. This approach would demonstrate sensitivity to local customs and beliefs, fostering loyalty and unity in a time of potential fractures due to differing cultural backgrounds.

3. Symbolic Representation: While Ahura-Mazda and Ba’al embody different aspects of divinity, they can be interpreted as complementary forces within a shared spiritual framework. For example, Ahura-Mazda’s association with cosmic order and truth may be considered supportive of Ba’al’s role as a provider of fertility and agricultural wealth. Thus, the two could be seen as interacting forces responsible for the balance of nature and the welfare of society.

4. Ritual Context: In practice, ancient peoples often integrated various deities into their rituals. Acknowledging both Ahura-Mazda and Ba’al could symbolize a comprehensive approach to worship, recognizing that different aspects of life—such as agriculture, prosperity, and cosmic justice—are all vital to existence.

5. Shared Ideals: Despite their differing values, both deities embody important ideals for their worshippers—Ahura-Mazda for enlightenment and goodness, and Ba’al for fertility and sustenance. By featuring both, the coin could encapsulate a unified aspiration for well-being and divine guidance among the populace.

In summary, while Ahura-Mazda and Ba’al originate from distinct religious traditions and represent varied aspects of the divine, their depiction together suggests a nuanced understanding of the complexities of belief in a multicultural society. This combination reflects a pragmatic approach to governance, inviting cooperation and interconnection between different cultural values that ultimately enrich the identity of the region.

Referência : GCV 5554

Coleção : XII Greek Coins - Asia