According to myth, the giants, including Enceladus, rebelled against the gods, seeking to overthrow them and take control of Mount Olympus. The gods, led by Zeus, engaged in a fierce battle against the giants. In which, Athena, the goddess of wisdom and war, played a significant role in the conflict. During the battle, Athena faced off against Enceladus, ultimately defeating the giant by burying him under the island of Sicily. People believed he was the cause of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. From Virgil: Enceladus, his body lightning-scarred, lies prisoned under all, so runs the tale: o'er him gigantic Aetna breathes in fire from crack and seam; and if he haply turn to change his wearied side, Trinacria's isle trembles and moans, and thick fumes mantle heaven. Valerian I Seleucia ad Calycadnum Obv. laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Valerian, ΑVΚ ΠΟ ΛΙΚ ΟΥΑΛƐΡΙΑΝΟϹ Rev. Athena Promachos l. spearing at anguiped Enceladus who raises hands in resistance- ϹƐΛΕΥΚƐΩΝ ΤΩΝ Π[ ]ΚΛΥ(?) 253-260 AD 6.3 g SNG 1059 Luckily the chipping didn't take-away anything from the main elements and also left the bust of Valerian intact! Just for perspective, if Enceladus was supposed to be a giant, then how big Athena would've been as represented in the coin?! And I also found a die match! Please share your Greek giants!
