Tarsus
Historical Overview
The 30 years following the death of Alexander the Great (323 BCE) are commonly referred to as the Wars of the Diadochi (“Successors”). These years are characterized by intense warfare among Alexander’s generals, each who were vying for control over the vast territory that he obtained in the years prior. As a result, the territory was broken into four main kingdoms, whose territories were constantly shifting.
Antigonus Monophthalmus (Antigonus the one-eyed) was one of Alexander’s successors who gained control of western Asia Minor. By the turn of the 3rd century BCE, with the help of his son Demetrius Poliokertes (“The Besieger”), they conquered major cities in Macedonia, mainland Greece, and the Aegean islands. Their control over these areas was short-lived, however, as Demetrius Poliorketes lost most of his father’s original territory in Asia Minor (Jenkins 126).
Although Demetrius Poliorketes could not maintain control of these conquered territories, he is an excellent example of the militaristic nature of Hellenistic kingship. In fact, he and his father were proclaimed “kings” (basileis) after their naval victory in the Battle of Salamis (306 BCE) against the Ptolemies, which took place off the coast of Cyprus. Their victory in the Battle of Salamis is commemorated by this coin type (2014.06.30) in the CUAM’s collection.
Unlike other mints in Asia Minor, Tarsus did not use fixed dies, which can be seen on this coin's off-center strike (Newell 56).
Art Historical Overview
The iconography of ancient Greek coinage was frequently used to showcase the victories of powerful leaders. The combination of Nike, who is the personification of victory, and the image of the ship clearly communicates that the coin of Demetrius Poliorketes (2014.06.30) in the CUAM’s collection represents a triumph at sea. The obverse depicts a winged Nike standing on the front of a ship and blowing a trumpet (salpinx). The reverse depicts the god Poseidon, who is nude and lunges to the left. He holds a trident in his right hand, which he is about to hurl.
The image of Nike on the front of a ship and Poseidon hurling his trident are not unique to the coinage of Demetrius Poliorketes. Other variations picture Nike holding the mast of a ship (stylis), also symbolizing naval victory. The CUAM coin is identified as the “Newell #44” type based on a monogram found in the right field (Newell 50). The Newell #44 type does not include a ship mast, and its engraving is relatively simplistic.
Similarly to the obverse, the reverse image of the god of the sea, Poseidon, is also emblematic of naval victory. It is a particularly fitting image for Demetrius Poliorketes; he claimed Poseidon both as his patron deity and his divine father (Jenkins 127; Thonemann 49). Poseidon appears on other coins of Demetrius Poliorketes, including his portrait coins. This demonstrates Poseidon’s continued importance to Demetrius.
The images and styles of ancient Greek coins, such as this one, can be compared to other artistic media.
Economic Overview
Tarsus is one of the most important ancient cities of Cilicia in southeastern Asia Minor. It began minting coins in the early fifth century BCE (Hill ixxvi). Under control of Persian satraps at this time, the mints of Tarsus were quite productive because of the city’s close proximity to the silver mines of the Taurus Mountains. After Alexander conquered Asia Minor and the Persian Empire in the mid-fourth century BCE, Tarsus minting facilities grew and produced issues for Alexander and his successors (Newell 57).
Coins and Hellenistic Kingship
The iconographic elements of the coinage of Demetrius I Poliorketes offers insight into the self-fashioning of Hellenistic kingship as an instrument constructing, circulating, and legitimizing his royal authority.
The iconography of his coinage highlights military victory, divine matronage, and the use of portraiture. Taken together, these images legitimized his rule in the early second century BCE, which was particularly important during this period of heightened instability.