Message:

<p>[QUOTE=&quot;nathanj485, post: 1922076, member: 70378&quot;]The Kamarina tetras illustrated below is my favorite coin because of the unique history associated with it.&nbsp; The obverse shows a menacing Gorgon, while the reverse illustrates an owl grasping a lizard in its talons.&nbsp; I have questioned the symbolism of the coin&#039;s reverse for some time and decided to research for a plausible answer.&nbsp; These are my findings.</p><p>The lizard throughout Ancient archaic and classical history has been depicted in scenes of violence or imminent death.&nbsp; The lizard for most purposes symbolizes bad omens or imminent death or destruction.&nbsp; The owl is a representation of Athena, goddess of wisdom and warfare.&nbsp; The idea that the owl is grasping the lizard represents a stop to the bad omens, in my opinion. The Gorgon on the obverse is also a symbol commonly seen in Greek art and architecture as a means to ward off evil. </p><p>The symbolism of this bronze tetras ties in uniquely with the ancient history of Kamarina.&nbsp; Founded in 598 b.c. by Syracuse, the colony met an untimely demise not even 50 years later due to an unsuccessful rebellion on Kamarina&#039;s part.&nbsp; In 491 b.c. Kamarina was re-founded by Hippocrates of Gela, but it&#039;s citizens were relocated shortly after colonization by Hippocrates&#039; successor. After the collapse of the tyranny of Gela, some citizens relocated back to Kamarina.&nbsp; The colony thrived for a time being before calamity struck again.&nbsp; The below-mentioned bronze tetras dates from 420-410 b.c.&nbsp; During this time period, Kamarina was plagued by illness which was blamed by the marsh which separated them from the Corinthians.&nbsp; The leaders of Kamarina made the fatal decision to drain the marsh, which subsequently invited the Corinthians in to brutally attack the village killing all inhabitants around 405 b.c.&nbsp; The bronze tetras, which was a representation of Kamarina&#039;s faith in avoiding a repeat of the devastating past fates, tells us a story of a people that had hope where no hope could be found.&nbsp; </p><p>The unique history of Kamarina and the beautiful artisty of the bronze tetras, which ties in nicely, are what make this coin a top favorite in my small collection.[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

Your name or email address:

Do you already have an account?

• No, create an account now.
• Yes, my password is:
• Forgot your password?

Stay logged in