Sicily, Kamarina. (Circa 410-405 BC)

AE Tetras

14 mm, 2.7 g

Obverse: Facing gorgoneion.

Reverse: KAMA. Owl standing right, holding lizard; in exergue three pellets.

HGC 2, 546.

Kamarina was usually at odds with Syracuse but gave it some aid during Athens' disastrous Sicilian Expedition (415-413 BC) in the Peloponnesian War. The city was destroyed in 405 BC by Carthage. There is a (likely) myth told by the ancient Greek geographer/historian/philosopher, Strabo, that just before the Carthaginians razed Kamarina, the Kamarinians were plagued by a mysterious disease. The marsh of Kamarina had protected the city from its hostile neighbors to the north. It was suspected that the marsh was the source of the strange illness and the idea of draining the marsh to end the epidemic became popular. The town oracle advised the leaders not to drain the marsh, suggesting the plague would pass with time. But the discontent was widespread and the leaders opted to drain the marsh against the oracle's advice. Once it was dry, there was nothing stopping the Carthaginian army from advancing. They marched across the newly drained marsh and razed the city, killing every last inhabitant." Despite Strabo's story, the truth appears to be that the inhabits of the town had largely fled for Syracuse before the army arrived.