Description:
This bronze coin was minted during the 3rd century BC in the Thracian Greek city of Byzantion, which was located in present-day north-west Turkey. This city became the Eastern Roman capital of Constantinople in the 4th century and today is known as Istanbul. Byzantion was founded in 667 BC by Byzas of Megara, as the Greek city-states were rapidly expanding and establishing new colonies during the 7th century BC.
Byzas chose a strategic location as Byzantion commanded the entrance of the Black Sea, through the Bosphorus Straight, and the Aegean Sea, through the Sea of Marmara. Byzantion became a very prosperous port city through its control of the vital grain trade from the Black Sea. Over the centuries, rule of this important city was fought over by the Persians, Spartans, Athenians and Romans.
This ancient Byzantion coin features the head of Poseidon wearing a tainia. Poseidon was chosen for Byzantion coinage as according to legend, Byzas was the son of Poseidon. In Greek mythology, Poseidon was the god of the sea and storms as well as the "Earth-Shaker" of earthquakes. Known as Neptune by the Romans, he was a major Olympian god and the brother of Zeus and Hades. Sailors believed Poseidon created new islands and they would pray for him to allow calm seas and a safe voyage. If offended or ignored, Poseidon would strike the ground with his trident and cause chaotic springs, earthquakes, drownings and shipwrecks. The reverse side of this coin shows his filleted trident.
