Lot 1102
Carian Satraps. Maussollos. Silver Tetradrachm (15.03 g), 377/6-353/2 BC. Laureate head of Apollo facing slightly right. Rev. Zeus Labraundos standing right, holding labrys and scepter; in left field, ME monogram. (SNG Kayhan 873; cf. SNG von Aulock 2359 (no monogram); cf. SNG Copenhagen 590 (same)). Well struck on a nice round flan. All lightly toned. Extremely fine. Estimate $2,500UP
Ex Goldberg 36 (30 May 2006), lot 3522.
Maussollos was perhaps one of the most famous of the Hekatomnid dynasts of Caria who nominally served the Great King of Persia as regional satrap. He briefly participated in the Great Satraps' Revolt (366-360 BC) against Artaxerxes III but soon returned to the side of his Persian master, expanding his territory to include parts of Lycia, Ionia, and several islands. He embraced Greek culture and increasingly involved himself in Greek affairs, instigating and supporting Rhodian involvement in the Social War (357-355 BC) against Athens. Maussollos is perhaps most famous for his great tomb which he built at Halikarnassos after moving his capital from Mylasa. This tomb was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world and gave us the word mausoleum in English. The reverse depicts Zeus Labraundos, the patron deity of Mylasa and the Hekatomnid dynasty. Ironically it was in the god's temple at Labranda that assassins attempted to kill Maussollos in 353 BC.
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