Ancients: Elymais coins confuse me

What an interesting and educational thread from the past.

I recently received two coins and they inspired me to do some research on the Elymais Kingdom (approximately 147 BCE to AD 224).


Bronze drachm, vant Haaff 13.3.2-2B; diameter about 15 mm, obverse long bearded bust facing wearing diademed tiara with crest of rays; to right, pellet inside crescent above anchor with single crossbar; reverse dashes



Elymais is a mostly forgotten kingdom located near the Persian Gulf in the present-day region of Khuzestan (Susiana), in southwestern Iran.




To better understand the significance of these coins, I had to review some Parthian history.

The Parthian Empire was a decentralized feudal state with many semi-autonomous states under its control (including Elymais, Armenia, and Edessa). This contrasts with the later Sassanian Empire that was more centralized, more autocratic, less tolerant of other cultures, and more belligerent toward the Roman Empire.

Elymais was a vassal state, client-Kingdom under Arsacid Parthia. They enjoyed relative freedom until the rise of the Sassanian Empire that would conquer Parthia around AD 227.

In the Parthian Empire, either the local dynasty was retained or some other acceptable ruler was installed. Armenia was ruled by a member of the Arsacid family (many times with the approval of Rome). Vassal kings remained at least briefly in Characene, Elymais, and Persis as well as in some city-kingdoms such as Hatra and Osroene. Only Characene, Elymais, and Persis were permitted to strike coins while under Parthian control, however.

Some references interpret the symbolism on the obverse of the coins. The thought is that the anchor harkens back to the Seleucid Empire and the star in the crescent pays homage to the more ancient Achaemenid dynasty. This iconography is well seen on Ancientnoob's excellent coin from an earlier post:



An interesting thread on the Seleucid anchor:

http://www.seleukidempire.org/seleukidanchors.htm

Reportedly, the Elymais Kingdom was known for their archers. Perhaps they contributed forces to the famous Parthian archers who decisively defeated the Roman General Crassus at the Battle of Carrhae in 53 BCE.

Thank you, again, for this great thread.

Here's an excellent article on the coins of Elymais:

http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/elymais



guy

 

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IF you like Elymais bronzes, check out Frank Robinson's site. He has a great deal on them.

 

@Bart9349 , thanks. Thats one of my fav coins!

 

I only have the one. Needs rephotographing as the dirt has now gone. The reference was given to me.


Kamnaskires-Orodes
State, City: Parthia, Elmyais
Coin: Bronze Drachm
- Bearded bust facing wearing diadem; hair in bunches at sides; to right, pellet within crescent above anchor with two bars
- Dashes across fields
Mint: Elymaen (Mid 2nd Century AD)
Wt./Size/Axis: 0.00g / - / -
References: Van't Haaff type 12.3, subtype 1-2A1.

I lost this coin for several weeks, it slipped out of the album and was my main reason that I changed over to trays. It feels great in hand.

 

Here is my most interesting Parthian style tetradrachm. I reshot the coin today just for this thread

Persia
Ctesiphon, Iraq
House of Sasan
Ardashir I (r.224-242 AD)
BI Tetradrachm 25.6mm x 11.19g
Obverse: Pahlavi legend, "MaZDISN BaGi ARTaHShATER MaLKAN MaLKA AIRAN" (of the Worshipper of Mazda, the Divine Ardashir, King of Kings or Iran); cuirassed bust of Ardashir right with long beard, Parthian-style headdress with ear flaps; Reverse: Pahlavi legend, "NURA ZI ARTaHShaTR" (Fire of Ardashir), fire-altar without attendants
ref: Göbl II/5
Note: Scarce. Exceptional Condition.

 

Just when you think the Parthian's are down for the count. They get up, then get flattened again. This time for good.

Persia,
House of Miran (Parthia)
Mehrbandak (ruling as Bahram VI)
Jay, Iran
AR Drachm 29 mm x 3.92 grams
Dated. r.yr. 1, (AD 590)
Obverse: Bust of Mehrbandak (Bahram VI) wearing mural crown.
Reverse: Zoroastrian Fire Altar flanked by two attendants.
ref:Sunrise Collection #975
Note: Rare, Parthian