Description:
This ancient coin was minted in the historic Greek city of Syracuse during the rule of Agathocles, who from 317 - 289 BC, was the Greek tyrant of Syracuse and king of Sicily. With his army of mercenaries, Agathocles seized power in 317 BC and much of his rule was consumed with war against Carthage.
Syracuse was founded along the southeast coast of Sicily in 734 BC by Greek settlers from Corinth and the city soon flourished. Syracuse became one of the most renowned capitals of Antiquity. This powerful city-state was well known for its rich Greek culture, amphitheatres and beautiful architecture. The most famous Syracusan was the mathematician and natural philosopher Archimedes, who was born here in 287 BC.
Athena, who was the favorite child of the king of the gods Zeus, is featured on this coin wearing a crested Corinthian helmet. She was the Greek goddess of wisdom, peace, warfare, strategy, handicrafts and reason. Among her gifts to man were the inventions of the plow and the flute, the arts of taming animals, building ships along with making shoes. An armed warrior goddess, Athena appears in Greek mythology as a helper of many heroes, including Odysseus, Jason and Hercules. The reverse side of this coin shows a winged thunderbolt, which was a symbol of Zeus.
