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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;zumbly, post: 1886437, member: 57495&quot;]I don&#039;t mean to take away any attention from AJ&#039;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.</p><p><br /></p><p>I&#039;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 &#039;imitative types&#039; based loosely on the Olympic Games that were held throughout the provinces during the Imperial period.&nbsp; Some of these were quadrennial like the Olympic Games, and others were held by special sanction of the emperor.&nbsp; 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.</p><p><br /></p><p>Coins that allude to athletic games and contests are commonly referred to in numismatics as agonistic issues (<i>agōn </i>in Ancient Greece referred to a stadium or to sporting competitions).&nbsp; My coin may only be barely agonistic, though if they had pond skipping competitions, at a massive 38mm it would certainly qualify.&nbsp; Also, some may find that flan crack pretty <i>agōn</i>izing to look at. <img src="styles/default/xenforo/clear.png" class="mceSmilieSprite mceSmilie7" alt=":p" unselectable="on" unselectable="on" /></p><p><br /></p><p>[ATTACH=full]320861[/ATTACH]</p><p><br /></p><p><b>MAXIMINUS I THRAX</b></p><p>AE Hexassarion (20.44g, 38mmm)</p><p>CILICIA, Anazarbus, 235 - 238 AD.</p><p>Ziegler 663 (Vs2/Rs4), SNG Levante 1480 (same obv. die).</p><p>O: AU K G IOU OUH MAXIMEINOS SEB, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right.</p><p>R: ANAZ END MHTRO/B-G, Synthysia standing facing, head left, before bull standing left, holding bipennis over shoulder, SUNThUSIA OI/KOUMENHS below.</p><p>Ex Kelly J. Krizan, M.D. Collection.</p><p><br /></p><p>The female figure standing before the bull and holding the bipennis (double-headed axe) has been referred to as the personification of the <i>synthysia</i>.&nbsp; The <i>synthysia </i>was a joint sacrificial feast held by the city hosting the festive games.&nbsp; 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.&nbsp; The meat from these sacrifices may also have been part of the prize awarded to winners of the games.&nbsp; I guess nothing says athletic gold like a bloody hunk of beef. <img src="styles/default/xenforo/clear.png" class="mceSmilieSprite mceSmilie8" alt=":D" unselectable="on" unselectable="on" /></p><p><br /></p><p>These festivals and games appear to have been particularly important in the eastern provinces, and their coinage with agonistic designs appear with some frequency.&nbsp; In 3rd century issues from Cilician cities such as Tarsus and Anazarbus, we find quite a variety - those depicting the crown of the <i>demiourgos</i> (who organized the games), the <i>gymnasiarch</i> (who officiated), competing athletes, agonistic urns (or prize crowns as they are sometimes called) and others.&nbsp; 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.</p><p><br /></p><p>I&#039;m afraid I have none of the other types to show, but if any of you do, please post them!&nbsp; 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.[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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