bpv_352668 - MYSIA - CYZICUS Hemichalque

MYSIA – KYZIKOS / CYZICUS

(1st century BC - 3rd century AD)

Cyzicus, a colony of Miletus founded in the 8th century BC, is placed on the Propontis on the island of Arktonnesos. Its political and economic situation was preponderant between Pont-Euxin and the Aegean Sea by controlling the Propontis at the outlet of the Hellespont. Coinage began at the end of the 7th century BC. An important coinage of electrum was minted between 600 and 330 BC with the tuna as its symbol. The coinage with the portrait of Koré began around 390 BC and ended with the arrival of Alexander the Great in Asia Minor. The city was supposed to be the place where Persephone was abducted by Hades. The lion on the reverse was to be dedicated to Apollo, considered the father of the city's founder. The city in Roman times prospered economically and experienced a remarkable architectural extension.