Is there some significance to a bucranion and lion combo?

Discussion in 'Ancient Coins' started by Roman Collector, Mar 26, 2018.

  1. Roman Collector

    Roman Collector Well-Known Member

    Look at the similarity in iconography between this provincial from Philippopolis (Septimius Severus) and this imperial issue of Probus. Both have a bucranion (ox head) and a lion.

    Is there some significance to this?

    Severus Philippopolis.jpg

    Probus lion.jpg
     
    Roman Collector, Mar 26, 2018
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  3. Mike Margolis

    Mike Margolis Well-Known Member

    mithras.jpg
    Possibly related to the Mithraic mysteries- Lion and Bull/Ox are fixed signs- fire and Earth, of the zodiac and have prominence in the cult of Mithras.
     
    Last edited: Mar 26, 2018
    Mike Margolis, Mar 26, 2018
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  4. lordmarcovan

    lordmarcovan 48-year collector Moderator

    Neat. I like that Probus.
     
    lordmarcovan, Mar 27, 2018
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  5. Mike Margolis

    Mike Margolis Well-Known Member

    Here is a really good link/article on the cult of Mithras. The lion is the fourth of seven levels of initiation in the cult that regards the slaying of the bull as preeminent- representing the one who moves the Earth and the skies- precesession of the equinoxes(from Taurus to Aries etc,,,,). http://www.cais-soas.com/CAIS/Religions/iranian/Mithraism/m_m/pt8.htm
     
    Mike Margolis, Mar 27, 2018
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  6. RAGNAROK

    RAGNAROK Naebody chaws me wi impunitY

    Intriguing... There´s a very rare Ambiani celtic coin with obv. lion, rev. horse & obv./rev. bucranions: La Tour 8498
    amb.png
     
    RAGNAROK, Mar 27, 2018
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  7. Nicholas Molinari

    Nicholas Molinari Well-Known Member

    Bulls (or bull men) and lions have been paired together for tens of thousands of years. The earliest recorded is at Chauvet (a bull man with lion above). The theme is popular in early Greek coinage, especially at Lydia and other Anatolian mints.
     
    Nicholas Molinari, Mar 27, 2018
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  8. lordmarcovan

    lordmarcovan 48-year collector Moderator

    Wonder how many other little small details in ancient coin designs have backstories that are lost to us - or, at times, overlooked by us.

    Guess there's no way to know (obviously), but I think it's really neat when some of the stories (or at least hints of them) come to light.
     
    lordmarcovan, Mar 27, 2018
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  9. Mike Margolis

    Mike Margolis Well-Known Member

    [​IMG]Christianity adopted elements of many of the mystery traditions we see expressed on the ancient coins. Have a great Holy week for those who celebrate and a joyous Passover if you celebrate that one. Oh yeah- and if you still celebrate any of the European or aboriginal Earth based religious traditions for springtime such as those of the Greco-Roman pagan world may you help bring Peace, happiness, health and abundance to the Earth
     
    Last edited: Mar 27, 2018
    Mike Margolis, Mar 27, 2018
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  10. lordmarcovan

    lordmarcovan 48-year collector Moderator

    Um, is it just me, or does St. Matthaeus look rather *ahem* ... busty in that rendering?

    No? Just me, then? OK. I'll go wash my mind out with soap now.
     
    Last edited: Mar 27, 2018
    lordmarcovan, Mar 27, 2018
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  11. lordmarcovan

    lordmarcovan 48-year collector Moderator

    Double post. Sorry. Phone is being stupid.
     
    lordmarcovan, Mar 27, 2018
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  12. RAGNAROK

    RAGNAROK Naebody chaws me wi impunitY

    hunted:
    amb2.jpg
     

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    RAGNAROK, Mar 28, 2018
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