I don't mean to take away any attention from AJ's coins (try typing that with a straight face) in his earlier thread on the Secular Games, but I thought it would be interesting if I posted a recent purchase connected to some of the other games that were enjoyed in the Roman empire. I'm referring to pan-Hellenic festive games such as the Actian Games of Nicopolis, the Heraia at Argos, the Capitolia of Rome, and numerous other 'imitative types' based loosely on the Olympic Games that were held throughout the provinces during the Imperial period. Some of these were quadrennial like the Olympic Games, and others were held by special sanction of the emperor. As the Empire became more troubled and restive during the 3rd century, the frequency of these festive games increased, presumably to serve as a distraction for the provincial populace. Coins that allude to athletic games and contests are commonly referred to in numismatics as agonistic issues (agōn in Ancient Greece referred to a stadium or to sporting competitions). My coin may only be barely agonistic, though if they had pond skipping competitions, at a massive 38mm it would certainly qualify. Also, some may find that flan crack pretty agōnizing to look at. MAXIMINUS I THRAX AE Hexassarion (20.44g, 38mmm) CILICIA, Anazarbus, 235 - 238 AD. Ziegler 663 (Vs2/Rs4), SNG Levante 1480 (same obv. die). O: AU K G IOU OUH MAXIMEINOS SEB, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right. R: ANAZ END MHTRO/B-G, Synthysia standing facing, head left, before bull standing left, holding bipennis over shoulder, SUNThUSIA OI/KOUMENHS below. Ex Kelly J. Krizan, M.D. Collection. The female figure standing before the bull and holding the bipennis (double-headed axe) has been referred to as the personification of the synthysia. The synthysia was a joint sacrificial feast held by the city hosting the festive games. The feast would be attended by representatives from the participating cities, and given the imagery on this coin, it is likely that the proceedings involved, amongst other things, a whole lotta cow dismemberment. The meat from these sacrifices may also have been part of the prize awarded to winners of the games. I guess nothing says athletic gold like a bloody hunk of beef. These festivals and games appear to have been particularly important in the eastern provinces, and their coinage with agonistic designs appear with some frequency. In 3rd century issues from Cilician cities such as Tarsus and Anazarbus, we find quite a variety - those depicting the crown of the demiourgos (who organized the games), the gymnasiarch (who officiated), competing athletes, agonistic urns (or prize crowns as they are sometimes called) and others. Coins depicting Synthysia appear to be quite rare, and this particular coin is rated extremely rare, with Ziegler recording two specimens - one from SNG Levante and another in the ANS. I'm afraid I have none of the other types to show, but if any of you do, please post them! As it will also be the anniversary of the proclamation of Maximinus Thrax as emperor in a few days (20 March 235), do feel free to post your Maximinus coins too.
Wow, that's an awesome coin, Z-bro!! (very, very cool) => and huge!! ... 38mm of pond skippin' loviness!! (congrats) Sadly, I don't think that I have any non-secular games coins, but I do have a: Maximinus I Thrax, AR Denarius (The Thracian Giant) 235-236 A.D. Diameter: 20 mm Weight: 2.95 grams Obverse: IMP MAXIMINVS PIVS AVG Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right Reverese: SALVS AVGVSTI, Salus seated left, feeding serpent rising from altar Reference: RIC 14. BMC 99. C 85 Other: gorgeous portrait ... attractive light toning
Nice coin Zumbly. A great write up too. You shine light on another numismatic area of ancient Roman coinage I was not yet aware of. Well done. And here's my well circulated example of Maximinus Thrax: Maximinus I “Thrax”; AD 235-238 Silver Denarius; 21mm/1.8g Obv: MAXIMINVS PIVS AVG GERM, laureate bust right Rev; VICTORIA GERM, Victory standing right with wreath & palm, captive at feet. (RIC 23, RSC 107)
What little I've read of the Actian Games of Nikopolis has piqued my interest because they seemed more comprehensive than other quasi-Olympiads. You had your usual athletics, but there were also sea battles and musical competitions. I'd love to go back in time and hear the musicians duke it out. Here's a coin of Nikopolis that doesn't have anything to do with the games, but it's all I've got... Septimius Severus, Nikopolis ad Istrum Obv. AV KAI CE - CEVHROC; laureate head r. Rev. NIKOPOLI - T. PROC IC; Hermes, nude, chlamys over l. arm, holding kerykeion in l. arm and purse in extended r. hand. Reference: Hristova/Hoeft/Jekov (2013) 8.14.10.21
Set the DeLorean for 66 AD and you'd be in for a treat. What could top Nero as Elvis at the Actian Games? Edit: Oops... just thought of it. First, set the DeLorean to anytime circa early 1970s, pick up the actual Elvis, then head back to 66 AD.... voila, Nero vs. Elvis at the Actian Games!
Here's a coin that may represent such games-- it shows a prize urn. It's from the Goldberg mixed lot (Sept 2013) and I haven't really tried to ID it yet. I think it may be a Gallienus from Pontus, Neocaesarea.
