Speakers
Description
We try to summarize for the first time the monetary occurrences of this type, sometimes poorly described due to heavy wear of the coins and imprecision of the descriptions.
Also addressed in our analysis is the diachronic and diatopic distribution of the type, made in line with the methodology of Lexicon Iconographicum Numismaticae, in an attempt to contextualise it and give historical-cultural interpretations drawing on the most recent historical and historical-religious studies, and some attested contacts with oriental peoples.
Using examples, histograms and maps we will highlight the beginnings of this phenomenon in the 6th century BC at Kyzikos, where the cult of Hermes was active and widespread; this sema continues to enjoy popularity in the 4th and 3rd centuries BC. The presence of the type decreases between the second century BC and second century AD, continuing to appear only in small provincial urban realities without reciprocal cultural links.
