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Messana, Sicily, c. 330 - 325 B.C.
Founded in the 8th century B.C., until the 5th century Messina was called Zancle, meaning "scythe" because of the shape of its harbor. Carthage sacked the city in 397 B.C. and then Dionysius I of Syracuse conquered it. In 288 B.C. the Mamertine mercenaries seized the city by treachery, killing all the men and taking the women as their wives. The city became a base from which they ravaged the countryside, leading to conflict with Syracuse. Initially Carthage assisted the Mamertines. When Syracuse attacked a second time, the Mamertines asked Rome for help. Rome was initially reluctant, but allied with the Mamertines to limit Carthaginian power. In 264 B.C., Roman troops were deployed to Sicily, the first time a Roman army acted outside the Italian Peninsula. At the end of the First Punic War, Messana was a free city allied with Rome.SH77506. Bronze tetras, HGC 2 840 (R1); Caltabiano 751 ff.; Calciati I p. 52, 16; SNG Cop 421; SNG Munchen 674; SNG ANS -; BMC Sicily -, Nice VF, fine classical style, nice green patina, Messana (Messina, Sicily, Italy) mint, weight 3.603g, maximum diameter 15.9mm, die axis 180o, c. 330 - 325 B.C.; obverse ΠOΣEIΔANTN, laureate head of Poseidon left, Δ (mark of value) behind; reverse M-E-Σ-Σ-A-NI-ON, ornate trident head, flanked on each side by a dolphin with head down; rare; SOLD
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