Aeolis, Kyme. c. 4th cen BC
Aeolis, Kyme. c. 4th cen BC
AR Hemiobol, 0.31g (7.5mm, 12h).
K - Y Forepart of horse to r. / Rosette with eight petals
Pedigree: From the Collection of Jonathan H. Kagan
References: Klein 334. SNG Arikantürk 2, 189-96. SNG Copenhagen 34. SNG Kayhan 91-93. SNG von Aulock 7692
Grade: Toned and good strike. EF
gk1933
This little coin is from Cyme, which was a city in Aeolis on the western coast of Asia minor. Greek mythology suggested that Cyme was founded by the Amazon Kyme. Amazons were a race of female warriors that were believed to exist in Scythia (near the Black Sea in modern Russia). In Greek, the word Amazos means "without breast". This refers directly to a fable in which the Amazons cut off their right breasts so it would not interfere with their use of a bow. The area where Cyme was located was strong in agriculture. Coins from Cyme will often feature a horse on them. This is likely an allusion to the prosperous equine industry of that area. Alternatively Cyme also had settlers from mainlaind Greece, specifically Euboea, that migrated across the Aegean Sea in the late bronze age.