c.4th Century BC PONTUS, AMISUS AR Siglos NGC AU55 Owl

There are inconsistencies in the written historical sources about the Greek colonization in the Pontus and the current archaeological evidence. The Greeks knew the Black Sea as early as the 8th century BC. This view is based on archaeological evidence and on early Greek legends such as Jason and the Argonauts who set out to find the Golden Fleece in Colchis (modern Georgia). Some scholars believe this legend occurred before the Trojan War because Homer mentions the legend in the Iliad.33 The earliest Greek trade with the lands around the Black Sea was reflected in the Greek legends about the origin of iron. According to these legends items of iron first came from the Trans-Caucasian regions. Also, according to Apollonius of Rhodes' story of The Voyage of the Argo, the mythical Amazons lived just east of Amisos in three towns near Themiscrya near the mouth of the Thermodon (modern Terme) river. The Black Sea littoral was heavily populated by local natives and from the outset, many of these were hostile to the Greeks, e.g. between Byzantium and Heraclea, there were no Greek colonies despite the ideal locations, because the historic sources state the region had hostile natives. Check out all the great US Coins, Paper Money, Ancients, World and Exonumia at Sarasota Numismatics. We are happy to answer any questions about this or anything in our vast inventory.