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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;svessien, post: 25987183, member: 15481&quot;]Here is another:</p><p><br /></p><p>[ATTACH=full]1653041[/ATTACH] </p><p>Mysia, Plakia</p><p><br /></p><p><i>AE12, 4th century BC.</i></p><p><br /></p><p>Obverse:&nbsp; Turreted head of Kybele right.</p><p><br /></p><p>Reverse: ΠΛΑΚΙΑ. Lion, devouring prey, standing right on grain ear right.</p><p><br /></p><p>Reference: SNG BN 2378-82; BMC 5.</p><p><br /></p><p>Size: 11.7 mm Weight: 1.33 g</p><p><br /></p><p>Here is Chat GPT exploring the theme of this coin:</p><p><br /></p><p>The coin from Plakia, Mysia, featuring the turreted head of Kybele on the obverse and a lion devouring prey while standing on an ear of grain on the reverse provides rich symbolic elements for interpretation. Here’s a breakdown of these features:</p><p><br /></p><p><font size="4"><b>Obverse: Turreted Head of Kybele</b></font></p><ol> <li>Kybele&#039;s Significance: Kybele, also known as the Great Mother or Magna Mater, is a major deity in ancient Anatolian and later Greek and Roman religious practices. She symbolizes fertility, nature, and the earth. The turreted crown often represents her association with fortified cities and divine protection.<br /> <br /> </li> <li>Symbol of Power and Protection: The turret implies strength and security, suggesting that Kybele protects the city of Plakia. Her representation on the coin underscores the city’s reliance on her for well-being and prosperity.<br /> <br /> </li> <li>Fertility and Motherhood: Kybele is also associated with fertility and the natural cycle of life. Her presence on the coin could evoke themes of agricultural abundance and the nurturing aspects of the earth.<br /> </li> </ol><p><font size="4"><b>Reverse: Lion Devouring Prey on Grain Ear</b></font></p><ol> <li>Lion as Symbol of Strength: The lion is a powerful symbol in many cultures, representing strength, courage, and nobility. Its depiction in the act of devouring prey emphasizes the themes of dominance in nature and the circle of life.<br /> <br /> </li> <li>Connection to Agriculture: The lion standing on an ear of grain suggests a link to agriculture and the sustenance provided by the earth. This imagery could imply that strength and vitality (represented by the lion) are supported by abundance in agricultural production (the grain).<br /> <br /> </li> <li>Predation and Fertility: The act of the lion devouring prey reflects the natural cycle of life and death, a concept that ties back into fertility. While the lion signifies power and dominance, the grain symbolizes the nourishment from the earth, indicating that prosperity arises from both strength and sustenance.<br /> <br /> </li> <li>Symbol of Guardianship: The combination of the lion and the grain ear may imply that the inhabitants of Plakia are both protectors and beneficiaries of the land. The lion could symbolize the protective strength of the city, ensuring that resources are available and safeguarded.<br /> </li> </ol><p><font size="4"><b>Overall Interpretation</b></font></p><p>The coin from Plakia encapsulates a multifaceted narrative about the city’s identity and relationship with nature, power, and fertility. The turreted head of Kybele signifies a divine protection and nurturing force associated with the earth and agricultural wealth. In contrast, the lion devouring its prey on grain underscores themes of strength, dominance, and the essential connection between fertility and sustenance.</p><p><br /></p><p>Together, these elements illustrate a harmonious balance between protection, power, and the earth&#039;s resources, highlighting the values and beliefs of the people of Plakia during that historical period. The coin serves not only as currency but also as a medium to convey civic pride and the cultural significance of their deities and nature. Further research into local myths and archaeological findings could provide even more insights into these rich symbols.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>I don&#039;t know about you guys, but I sure learned something.[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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