| Image search results - "Pollux" |
MAXENTIVS - Follis - Ostia mint - 309 AD
Obv.: IMP C MAXENTIVS P F AVG, laureate head right
Rev.: AETERNITAS AVG N, Castor and Pollux standing facing each other, each leaning on sceptre and holding bridled horse. In ex. MOSTA
Gs. 6,7 mm. 27,5
Cohen 10Maxentius
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ROME
PB Tessera (16mm, 2.62 g, 12h)
Castor standing left before horse, holding bridle and scepter; C to right Pollux standing right before horse, holding bridle and scepter; P to left
Rostovtsev 2082, pl. IX, 1; Rostovtsev & Prou 370; BM 53
Ex Artcoins Roma 23 (17 February 2015), lot 581Ardatirion
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081a04. MaxentiusAE follis. 22mm, 6.57 g. Ostia mint. 309-312 AD. Obv: IMP C MAXENTIVS P F AVG, laureate head right. Rev: AETERNITAS AVG N, the Dioscuri Castor and Pollux standing facing each other, each holding sceptre and holding a horse by the bridle. Mint mark MOSTT. RIC 35; Cohen 5; Sear 14975.lawrence c
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106a. CrispinaCrispina married the sixteen year-old, Commodus in the summer of 178 and brought him, as a dowry, a large number of estates. These, when added to the Imperial holdings, gave him control of a substantial part of Lucanian territory. The actual ceremony was modest but was commemorated on coinage and largesse was distributed to the people. An epithalamium for the occasion was composed by the sophist Julius Pollux.
Upon her marriage, Crispina received the title of Augusta, and thus, became Empress of the Roman Empire as her husband was co-emperor with her father-in-law at the time. The previous empress and her mother-in-law, Faustina the Younger, having died three years prior to her arrival.
Like most marriages of young members of the nobiles, it was arranged by paters: in Crispina's case by her father and her father-in-law, Emperor Marcus Aurelius. Crispina probably meant little to her egocentric husband though she was a beautiful woman. The other possible reason being that Commodus was known to prefer the company of men. Crispina is described as being a graceful person with a susceptible heart, but there is no medal extant of her.
As Augusta, Crispina was extensively honoured with public images, during the last two years of her father-in-law's reign and the initial years of her husband's reign. She did not seem to have any significant political influence over her husband during his bizarre reign. However, she was not exempted from court politics either as her sister-in-law, Lucilla, was an ambitious woman and was reportedly jealous of Crispina, the reigning empress, due to her position and power.
Crispina's marriage failed to produce an heir due to her husband's inability, which led to a dynastic succession crisis. In fact, both Anistius Burrus (with whom Commodus had share his first consulate as sole ruler) and Gaius Arrius Antoninus, who were probably related to the imperial family, were allegedly put to death 'on the suspicion of pretending to the throne'.
After ten years of marriage, Crispina was falsely charged with adultery by her husband and was banished to the island of Capri in 188, where she was later executed. After her banishment, Commodus did not marry again but took on a mistress, a woman named Marcia, who was later said to have conspired in his murder.
Crispina, wife of Commodus, 177-192, AE Dupondius or As (24x25mm), aVF. Sear RCV 6018. Obv. CRISPINA AVGVSTA, draped bust right. Rev. IVNO LVCINA S C, Juno standing left holding patera and scepter. The coin is brown and green, on a squarish flan.ecoli
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129 Maxentius (306-307 A.D. Caesar, 308-313 A.D. Augustus), Ostia, RIC VI 035, AE-1, -/-//MOSTT, AETERNITAS AVG N, Castor and Pollux standing facing,129 Maxentius (306-307 A.D. Caesar, 308-313 A.D. Augustus), Ostia, RIC VI 035, AE-1, -/-//MOSTT, AETERNITAS AVG N, Castor and Pollux standing facing,
avers:- IMP C MAXENTIVS P F AVG, Laureate head right.
revers:- AETE RNITAS A VG N, Dioscuri Castor and Pollux standing facing each other, each holding sceptre and holding a horse by the bridle..
exergo: -/-//MOSTT, diameter: mm, weight: g, axis: h,
mint: Ostia, date: 309-312 A.D., ref: RIC VI 35, p-404, C-5,
Q-001quadrans
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152 - Maxentius - RIC VI Ostia 035 (double strike)Obv:– IMP C MAXENTIVS P F AVG, Laureate Bust right
Rev:– AETERNITAS AVG N, Castor and Pollux
Minted in Ostia (MOSTP in exe. ) between Late A.D. 309 and October A.D. 312
References:– RIC VI Ostia 35 (C2)
Not great quality but a great example of a double strike on both sides.maridvnvm
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1ao Caligula37-41
As
Bare head, left, C CAESAR AVG GERMANICVS PON M TR POT
Vesta std, VESTA SC
RIC 38
The son of Germanicus, modern research suggests, was not as bad a ruler as history generally supposes, but the winners write the history, and Caligula had the dubious honor of being the first loser to die in the purple at the hand of assassins.
Suetonius recorded: Gaius Caesar (Caligula) was born on the 31st of August AD12, in the consulship of his father, Germanicus, and Gaius Fonteius Capito. The sources disagree as to his place of birth. Gnaeus Lentulus Gaetulicus claims it was Tibur (Tivoli), Pliny the Elder, says it was among the Treveri in the village of Ambitarvium, above Confluentes (the site of Koblenz) at the junction of the Moselle and Rhine. . . . His surname Caligula (‘Little Boot’) was bestowed on him affectionately by the troops because he was brought up amongst them, dressed in soldier’s gear.
Caligula accompanied his father, Germanicus, to Syria (in AD 19). On his return, he lived with his mother, Agrippina the Elder until she was exiled (in 29 AD), and then with his great-grandmother Livia. When Livia died (in 29 AD), he gave her eulogy from the rostra even though he was not of age. He was then cared for by his grandmother Antonia the Younger, until at the age of eighteen Tiberius summoned him to Capreae (Capri, in AD 31). On that day he assumed his gown of manhood and shaved off his first beard, but without the ceremony that had attended his brothers’ coming of age.
On Capraea, though every trick was tried to lure him, or force him, into making complaints against Tiberius, he ignored all provocation, . . . behaving so obsequiously to his adoptive grandfather, Tiberius, and the entire household, that the quip made regarding him was well borne out, that there was never a better slave or a worse master.
Even in those days, his cruel and vicious character was beyond his control, and he was an eager spectator of torture and executions meted out in punishment. At night, disguised in wig and long robe, he abandoned himself to gluttony and adulterous behaviour. He was passionately devoted it seems to the theatrical arts, to dancing and singing, a taste in him which Tiberius willingly fostered, in the hope of civilizing his savage propensities.
And came near to assuming a royal diadem at once, turning the semblance of a principate into an absolute monarchy. Indeed, advised by this that he outranked princes and kings, he began thereafter to claim divine power, sending to Greece for the most sacred or beautiful statues of the gods, including the Jupiter of Olympia, so that the heads could be exchanged for his own. He then extended the Palace as far as the Forum, making the Temple of Castor and Pollux its vestibule, and would often present himself to the populace there, standing between the statues of the divine brothers, to be worshipped by whoever appeared, some hailing him as ‘Jupiter Latiaris’. He also set up a special shrine to himself as god, with priests, the choicest sacrificial victims, and a life-sized golden statue of himself, which was dressed each day in clothes of identical design to those he chose to wear.
He habitually committed incest with each of his three sisters, seating them in turn below him at large banquets while his wife reclined above. . . . His preferred method of execution was by the infliction of many slight wounds, and his order, issued as a matter of routine, became notorious: ‘Cut him so he knows he is dying.’ Blindado
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200-202 AD - GETA Caesar denariusobv: P SEPT GETA CAES PONT (draped bust right)
rev: CASTOR (Castor standing left in front of horse, reins in right hand & scepter in left)
ref: RIC IVi 6, RSC 12(10frcs), BMC 216
mint: Rome
3.02gms, 18mm
Scarce
This piece was minted in the name of Geta, who served as Caesar under Septimius Severus from 198-209 AD. The reverse features Castor, patron of the knights. Castor and Pollux are better known together as The Dioscuri, and their specific depiction individually is very infrequently seen. Geta was the second Castor in his coins.berserker
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408. MaxentiusMarcus Aurelius Valerius Maxentius, more commonly known as Maxentius, was the child of the Emperor Maximianus Herculius and the Syrian Eutropia; he was born ca. 278 A.D. After Galerius' appointment to the rank of Caesar on 1 March 293, Maxentius married Galerius' daughter Valeria Maximilla, who bore him a son named Romulus and another son whose name is unknown. Due to his haughty nature and bad disposition, Maxentius could seldom agree with his father or his father-in-law; Galerius' and Maximianus Herculius' aversion to Maxentius prevented the young man from becoming a Caesar in 305. Little else is known of Maxentius' private life prior to his accession and, alth ough there is some evidence that it was spent in idleness, he did become a Senator.
On 28 October 306 Maxentius was acclaimed emperor, although he was politcally astute enough not to use the title Augustus; like the Emperor Augustus, he called himself princeps. It was not until the summer of 307 that he started usi ng the title Augustus and started offending other claimants to the imperial throne. He was enthroned by the plebs and the Praetorians. At the time of his acclamation Maxentius was at a public villa on the Via Labicana. He strengthened his position with promises of riches for those who helped him obtain his objective. He forced his father Maximianus Herculius to affirm his son's acclamation in order to give his regime a facade of legitimacy. His realm included Italy, Africa, Sardinia, and Corsica. As soon as Galerius learned about the acclamation of Herculius' son, he dispatched the Emperor Severus to quell the rebellion. With the help of his father and Severus' own troops, Maxentius' took his enemy prisoner.
When Severus died, Galerius was determined to avenge his death. In the early summer of 307 the Augustus invaded Italy; he advanced to the south and encamped at Interamna near the Tiber. His attempt to besiege the city was abortive because his army was not large enough to encompass the city's fortifications. Negotiations between Maxentius and Galerius broke down when the emperor discovered that the usurper was trying to win over his troops. Galerius' troops were open to Maxentius' promises because they were fighting a civil war between members of the same family; some of the soldiers went over to the enemy. Not trusting his own troops, Galerius withdrew. During its retreat, Galerius' army ravaged the Italian countryside as it was returning to its original base. If it was not enough that Maxentius had to deal with the havoc created by the ineffectual invasions of Severus and Galerius, he also had to deal with his father's attempts to regain the throne between 308 and 310. When Maximianus Herculius was unable to regain power by pushing his son off his throne, he attempted to win over Constantine to his cause. When this plan failed, he tried to win Diocletian over to his side at Carnuntum in October and November 308. Frustrated at every turn, Herculius returned to his son-in-law Constantine's side in Gaul where he died in 310, having been implicated in a plot against his son-in-law. Maxentius' control of the situation was weakened by the revolt of L. Domitius Alexander in 308. Although the revolt only lasted until the end of 309, it drastically cut the size of the grain supply availble for Rome. Maxentius' rule collapsed when he died on 27 October 312 in an engagement he had with the Emperor Constantine at the Milvian Bridge after the latter had invaded his realm.
Maxentius Follis. Ostia mint. IMP C MAXENTIVS P F AVG, laureate head right / AETE-RNITAS A-VGN, Castor and Pollux standing facing each other, each leaning on sceptre and holding bridled horse. ecoli
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70-Maxentius-3.-SAE Follis, Ostia mint, 306-312 AD.
Obv: IMP C MAXENTIVS PF AVG, Laureate head right.
Rev: AETERNITAS AVG N, Castor and Pollux standing facing, each leaning on a sceptre and restraining a horse.
MOSTQ in exergue.
23mm, 7.1gm.
RIC 14.Jerome Holderman
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A117-16 - MAJENCIO (306 - 312 D.C.)AE Follis 25 mm 7.1 gr.
Hijo de Maximiano, causó la crisis del sistema de la Tetrarquía, siendo proclamado “Principe”, luego César, y mas tarde Augusto, e invitando él mismo a su padre a reasumir el Imperio. Fue derrocado por las fuerzas conjuntas de Constantino I y Licinio.
Anv: "IMP C M[A]XENTIVS PF AVG " – Cabeza laureada viendo a derecha.
Rev: "AETE-RNITAS - [AVG] N” – Los Dioscuri (Castor y Pollux) desnudos de pié uno frente al otro, portando cetros largos verticales, sobre sus hombros un manto corto (Chlamys) y reteniendo a sus caballos por los frenos. "MOSTP" en exergo.
Acuñada 309 – 312 D.C.
Ceca: Ostia – (Ostia Antica, viejo puerto de Roma) -Italia
Rareza: C2
Referencias: RIC Vol.VI (Ostia) 35 Pag.404 - DVM #14 Pag.284 - Salgado MRBI Vol.III #7656.a. Pag.89 – Cohen Vol.VII #5 Pag.166mdelvalle
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A117-16 - MAJENCIO (306 - 312 D.C.)AE Follis 25 mm 7.1 gr.
Hijo de Maximiano, causó la crisis del sistema de la Tetrarquía, siendo proclamado “Principe”, luego César, y mas tarde Augusto, e invitando él mismo a su padre a reasumir el Imperio. Fue derrocado por las fuerzas conjuntas de Constantino I y Licinio.
Anv: "IMP C M[A]XENTIVS PF AVG " – Cabeza laureada viendo a derecha.
Rev: "AETE-RNITAS - [AVG] N” – Los Dioscuri (Castor y Pollux) desnudos de pié uno frente al otro, portando cetros largos verticales, sobre sus hombros un manto corto (Chlamys) y reteniendo a sus caballos por los frenos. "MOSTP" en exergo.
Acuñada 309 – 312 D.C.
Ceca: Ostia – (Ostia Antica, viejo puerto de Roma) -Italia
Rareza: C2
Referencias: RIC Vol.VI (Ostia) 35 Pag.404 - DVM #14 Pag.284 - Salgado MRBI Vol.III #7656.a. Pag.89 – Cohen Vol.VII #5 Pag.166 - Sear '88 #3776mdelvalle
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AnonymousObv: Helmeted head of Roma facing right, with triple earring, spike above visor, X behind.
Rev: The Dioscuri, Castor and Pollux, on horseback, riding right, ROMA in exergue.
Silver Denarius, Rome mint, c. 211 BC
4.4 grams, 18.5 mm, 180°
RSC Anonymous 2, S38Matt Inglima
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Anonymous Didrachm / Quadrigatus **SOLD**Anonymous. Silver Didrachm (6.80g, 22.5mm), ca. 225-214 BC. Uncertain mint.
O: Laureate head of Janus (Dioscuri?), two annulets atop head.
R: ROMA incuse on solid tablet in exergue, Jupiter, hurling thunderbolt and holding scepter, in galloping quadriga right driven by Victory.
- ex Dr. Busso Peus Nachf., Crawford ?
"Silver Quadrigatus Roman coinage was fortified during the Second Punic War. In addition to gold coins, the Romans issued copper and silver coins, sometimes in enormous quantities. The principal silver coin of the war was a reduced-weight didrachm called a "quadrigatus" after its reverse design, a four-horse chariot (quadriga) bearing Victory and Jupiter. There are many varieties of quadrigati, as revealed by differences in die engraving, metal purity and production standards, not to mention subtle variations of the main design. This suggests that several mints issued quadrigati at different times, and under quite different circumstances. The double-head on the obverse usually is described as the god Janus because of its distinctive form, but the faces are of young men, and it more likely represents the Dioscuri, the gods Castor and Pollux, who were credited with saving Rome at the Battle of Lake Regillus nearly three centuries before." - David VagiNemonater
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BHM 1061. The Elgin Marbles, East Frieze IV 24-27.Obv. THE ELGIN MARBLES DEDICATED BY PERMISSION TO HIS MAJESTY GEORGE IV The Royal Coat of Arms with supporters.
Rev. CASTOR POLLUX CERES AND TRIPTOLEMUS THOMASON DIREXIT Hermes, Dionysos(?), Demeter and Ares seated.
AE48
The British Museum writes about the fragment depicted:
24-25. Hermes, a messenger god, sits looking in the direction of the procession. He wears sandals and a traveller's hat (petasos) rests on his knee. The figure who leans on his shoulder is probably Dionysos, god of wine. His left arm was supported by a staff (thyrsos).
26. Demeter, goddess of growing corn, was shown resting her chin (now missing) upon her hand. In Greek art this was a conventional gesture of mourning. Her grief is for her daughter Persephone, who was abducted by the god of the Underworld. In her left hand Demeter holds a torch, the symbol of the Eleusinian Mysteries, of which she was the patron.
27. Ares, god of war, sits with one knee cradled in his hands, while his left foot rests on the haft of a spear. Part of the weapon is just visible below the ankle bone. The rest of it must have been painted on the stone.
LordBest
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C. Fonteius - AR DenariusRome
²112 BC / ¹114-113 BC
laureate Janiform heads of Dioscuri
T _ (XVI)
war galley left, acrostolium, ram and deck house at prow, three sailors and five oars amidships; deck house, gubernator, rudder, and apluster at stern
C·FO(NT)
ROMA
¹Crawford 290/1, SRCV I 167, RSC I Fonteia 1, Sydenham 555
²Mark Passehl - Roman moneyer & coin type chronology, 150 – 50 BC
3,9g 21mm
ex Aureo and Calico
"The janiform head has been identified as the Dioscuri, because the Fonteia gens came from Tusculum, the religious center of the cult of Castor and Pollux. The reverse depicts the arrival by sea of Telegonus' the son of Odysseus and Circe, and the mythological founder of Tusculum." ForumAncientCoins note Moneyer probably served as legate in 91 BC at the beginning of Civil war and was killed by rebels in AsculumJ. B.
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Calabre, Tarente, statère (c. 272-240 AC)o/ Les Dioscures (Castor et Pollux) le manteau flottant au vent galopant à gauche. ΣΩAΔAMOΣ dessous.
r/ Taras nu, chevauchant un dauphin à gauche, tenant une Niké de la main droite, deux javelines transversales et un bouclier orné d'un serpent de mer de la main gauche au-dessous, les flots. Monogramme ΓY à gauche; TARAΣ à droite.
SNG.Copenhagen 892 | SNG.München - | SNG.Tübingen 404 | Côte 408 SNG.ANS.1121-1128 | SNG.Milano 194-196 | SNG.Hungary 73
20mm; 6.29g; 9h
Munthandel G.HenzenT.MooT
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Calabria, Tarentum (Circa 280 BC)AR Nomos
22.5mm, 7.58 g
Obverse: Youth on horseback right, crowning horse; [ΣA to left, APE/ΘΩN in two lines below]
Reverse: Phalanthos, holding tripod, riding dolphin left; TAΡAΣ above [CAΣ below]
Vlasto 666–7; HN Italy 957
280 BC was the last year the original Tarentine weight standard of 7.8 g remained in place before being reduced to about 6.6 grams, perhaps to match the Roman weight standard of 6 scruples. Likely not coincidentally, this was also the year that Tarentum enlisted the help of the famous general King Pyrrhus of Epirus to fight against the Romans. King Pyrrhus had long dreamed of emulating his cousin Alexander the Great's conquests and saw the conflict with Rome as an opportunity to do so. He arrived in Italy with his army and several war elephants and defeated the Romans twice, but the second victory at Asculum came at such a high cost that he famously said, "If we win one more victory against the Romans, we will be completely ruined." Hence the phrase, a "Pyrrhic victory." He eventually left Southern Italy for Sicily. In the end, Rome won the Pyrrhic War (280-272 B.C.) and forced Tarentum to accept a permanent Roman garrison on its acropolis.
Taras coins minted between 425 and 209 BC typically depict a horseman on the obverse and a young man riding a dolphin on the reverse (Phalanthos, the half-Spartan divine founder of Tarentum supposedly carried to shore by a dolphin after a shipwreck). The horseman designs are believed to represent the worship of the Dioscuri, the twin deities Castor and Pollux (deities of horsemanship, athletes, and soldiers) worshipped in Taras' mother city of Sparta. This particular didrachm features a peaceful scene of a young man crowning a horse, which may commemorate a victory in an athletic contest.
Nathan P
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Candlestick UnguentariumCirca 1st-3rd Century AD
10.9cm tall.
ex Apollux
Roman glass candlestick unguentarium with flared rim and flattened base, possibly from Syria.
Fully intact with nice mottled green iridescence.
" ... they drove about in chariots with seats, through the woods and groves, just as wild beasts do, holding in their hands the sacred frankincense, and the fragrant dates, and cassia, and the delicate perfumes of Syria."
~ Melanippides of Melos (Danaides)
Update;
This item donated to the Hallie Ford museum in Salem Oregon.Enodia
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COELE SYRIA, CHALKIS--PTOLEMAIOS85 - 40 BC
Tetrarchy of Chalkis, Ptolemaios, 85 - 40 B.C.
AE 20 mm max. 6.05 g
O: Zeus (or tetrarch) right
R: Dioscuri (Castor and Pollux) standing facing with spears, heads confronted, LΜΣ
Chalkis sub Libano mint, Herman 1, SNG Cop 413, HGC 9 1439 (S), BMC Galatia -laney
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COELE SYRIA, CHALKIS--PTOLEMAIOS85 - 40 B.C
AE 20 mm; 5.82 g
Tetrarchy of Chalkis, PtolemaiosAE
O: Zeus (or tetrarch) right, countermark on neck
R: Dioscuri (Castor and Pollux) standing facing with spears, heads confronted
Chalkis sub Libano mint, Herman 1, SNG Cop 413, HGC 9 1439 (S), BMC Galatia -laney
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Emmett 0950 - Hadrian AE Drachm Alexandria. Castor & PolluxThe Dioscuri standing facing each other, each holding spear and sword. Date L I H
Reference: Curtis-Milne - (BMC 706). Emmett 950.18, D.1684 ; G.1113;
Kampmann-Ganschow 32.581
Pedigree: Harmer Rooke, New-York city, Dattari sale 5-27-71 part of lot 544
mattpat
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Gallo-Roman Figural Votive Plaque c. 3rd Century AD #7Gallo-Roman Figural Votive Plaque c. 3rd Century AD #7
Such artifacts are also referred to as "Danube Rider" or "Danube Mystery Cult" plaques,
Rectangular type: above, fish swimming left
The 1st Tier: Writhing snakes facing inward and feeding on an urn/chalice. To left, bust of Luna on the crescent moon; to right, radiate bust of Sol.
The 2nd Tier: A pair of mounted horsemen (Castor and Pollux) each proceeding inward and flanking the standing facing figure of Epona, the sole Celtic divinity ultimately worshipped in Rome itself as the patroness of cavalry. To left, forepart of a ram, one leg raised; to right, a togate (?) figure. Beneath the horsemen, a pair of trampled enemies, supine, facing each other, one arm expended.
3rd Tier: left to right; tripod, eagle-topped standard, a man kneeling left, hanging rabbit in a small tree, three pellets above an amphora, and a cockerel standing left on a ram's skull (bucranium).
diameter: 74x85mm, weight:
mint: ,
ref:
Q-001quadrans
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Geta Castor RIC IV 6Geta as Caesar, silver denarius, 204 AD, Rome, 2.925g, 18.4mm, Axis 0, RIC IV 6 (S); RSC III 12; BMCRE V p. 196, 216; Hunter III 4; SRCV II 7169, VF,
OBV: P SEPT GETA CAES PONT, boy's bare-headed, draped (not cuirassed) bust right, from behind;
REV: CASTOR, Castor, naked except for chlamys over shoulder, standing beside horse facing right with right foreleg raised, reins in right, scepter in left;
ex: Harlan J. Berk, Forvm Ancient Coins,
unusual and scarce type only 20 specimens in the Reka Devnia Hoard;
scarce;
Castor and Pollux were the twin sons of Leda and Zeus/Tyndareus (Pollux's father was Zeus, Castor's was Tyndareus) and the brothers of Helen of Troy and Clytemnestra.
They are known collectively in Greek as the Dioskouroi ("sons of Zeus") and in Latin as the Gemini ("twins") or Castores.
SRukke
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Istros Drachm #1 TriptychGreek (Classical). Moesia, Istros AR Drachm (5.34g, 19mm, 3h), 4th century BCE.
Obv: Two facing youthful male heads, the right inverted.
Rev: IΣTPIH. Sea-eagle left, grasping dolphin with talons. Behind eagle, to right: H. Below dolphin: inverted Δ.
Ref: Dima Group IV, Subgroup III, 5; AMNG I 431; cf. SNG BM Black Sea 244, 245.
Prov: Ex-Gitbud & Naumann GmbH, Pecunem 19 (Munich, 6 Jul 2014), Lot 58.
Notes: For my other Istros Drachm #2 Triptych, see: https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=180796
An enigmatic coin, the meaning of its anti-parallel heads is a mystery. The design is apparently unique in the classical world; nothing comparable is found elsewhere. One popular theory interprets them as the twin Dioscuri, Castor and Pollux. Others propose philosophical dualities, rising and setting sun, or twin branches of the Danube. A Journal of the History of Astronomy article (Saslaw & Murdin 2004 [LINK]) proposed that the heads are of the sun god Apollo and represent the solar eclipse visible at Istros in 434 BCE, approximately when the series is believed to have begun.
Presently most often described as a Drachm, but previously classified as a Stater by Seaby/Sear (1951/1978). Frequently well over 5 grams (and often well over 6 grams, occasionally approaching 7), it is considerably larger than an Attic Drachm (4.25g), but considerably smaller than a Corinthian Stater (about 8.5g) or the contemporary, if geographically remote, Carthaginian Stater (7.2g). When a standard is suggested now, it is usually the Aeginetic Standard. Yet these coins are often significantly heavier than actual Aegina Drachms, and were struck long after the last turtles.
[ALT: Black Sea District; Istrus]Curtis JJ
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Italy, Sicily, Agrigento - Temple of Castor and Polluxbuilt +- 450 BCJ. B.
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Italy- Forum Romanum- Basilica Emilia- Frisco with everyday lifeThe Basilica Julia was built in 54-48 BCE by Julius Caesar as a part of his reorganisation of the Forum Romanum, where it replaced the Basilica Sempronia. It is located on the S. side of the main square of the Forum Romanum, between the Temple of Saturn and the Temple of Castor and Pollux.
Julius Caesar started construction in 54 BCE, but it was still unfinished at his death. It was built on the site of the Basilica Sempronia and a series of shops, the tabernae veteres, that were all demolished.
Augustus finished the building after Caesar's death, but had to reconstruct it again shortly after, due to its destruction by fire in 9 BCE. It was dedicated again in 2 BCE, this time in the name of Gaius Caesar and Lucius Caesar, Augustus' designated heirs at the time.
The basilica was later damaged much by the fire in 283 CE, and restored a few years after by Diocletian. It was again destroyed when Alaric sacked the city in 410 CE.
The Basilica Julia was of huge proportions. The basilica rested on a low podium, seven steps high on the E. side and just one on the W. side, due to the sloping terrain. Of outer dimensions 101×49m, the central nave of the basilica was 82×18m. The four lateral aisles, two on each side, were two storeys high, with vaulted ceiling and arches decorated by semi-columns. The central nave was three storeys high.
A series of shops stood behind the basilica towards the Velabrum. A Temple of Augustus was also built in the area behind the basilica by Tiberius.
The function of the Basilica Julia was to house tribunals and other activities from the Forum when weather didn't permit outdoor meetings. The central nave probably divided in four by wooden removable structures to allow the hearing of more cases at a time. The basilica also housed some administrative offices of the city.
Game boards and graffiti are incised in the steps and in the pavement of the side aisles by idling visitors to the Forum. Some of this can still be seen on the side of the main square of the forum.
The building was in ruin already in late Antiquity, and subsequently stripped of all reusable material, i.e., almost everything.
Very little of the building remains now. The basic floor plan can be seen, and some parts of brick walls remain towards the Temple of Saturn, some bases of statues still in their original position, and the four step podium remain. The brick column bases are reconstructions of the 19th century.
Peter Wissing
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Italy- Rome- Forum Romanum Basilica JuliaThe Basilica Julia was built in 54-48 BCE by Julius Caesar as a part of his reorganisation of the Forum Romanum, where it replaced the Basilica Sempronia. It is located on the S. side of the main square of the Forum Romanum, between the Temple of Saturn and the Temple of Castor and Pollux.
Julius Caesar started construction in 54 BCE, but it was still unfinished at his death. It was built on the site of the Basilica Sempronia and a series of shops, the tabernae veteres, that were all demolished.
Augustus finished the building after Caesar's death, but had to reconstruct it again shortly after, due to its destruction by fire in 9 BCE. It was dedicated again in 2 BCE, this time in the name of Gaius Caesar and Lucius Caesar, Augustus' designated heirs at the time.
The basilica was later damaged much by the fire in 283 CE, and restored a few years after by Diocletian. It was again destroyed when Alaric sacked the city in 410 CE.
The Basilica Julia was of huge proportions. The basilica rested on a low podium, seven steps high on the E. side and just one on the W. side, due to the sloping terrain. Of outer dimensions 101×49m, the central nave of the basilica was 82×18m. The four lateral aisles, two on each side, were two storeys high, with vaulted ceiling and arches decorated by semi-columns. The central nave was three storeys high.
A series of shops stood behind the basilica towards the Velabrum. A Temple of Augustus was also built in the area behind the basilica by Tiberius.
The function of the Basilica Julia was to house tribunals and other activities from the Forum when weather didn't permit outdoor meetings. The central nave probably divided in four by wooden removable structures to allow the hearing of more cases at a time. The basilica also housed some administrative offices of the city.
Game boards and graffiti are incised in the steps and in the pavement of the side aisles by idling visitors to the Forum. Some of this can still be seen on the side of the main square of the forum.
The building was in ruin already in late Antiquity, and subsequently stripped of all reusable material, i.e., almost everything.
Very little of the building remains now. The basic floor plan can be seen, and some parts of brick walls remain towards the Temple of Saturn, some bases of statues still in their original position, and the four step podium remain. The brick column bases are reconstructions of the 19th century.
Peter Wissing
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Jordan, Petra, Al-Khazneh" or The TreasuryAl-Khazneh is one of the most elaborate temples in Petra, a city of the Nabatean Kingdom. As with most of the other buildings in this ancient town, including the Monastery, this structure was carved out of a sandstone rock face. The structure is believed to have been the mausoleum of the Nabatean King Aretas IV in the 1st century A.D. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in both Jordan and the region. It became known as "Al-Khazneh", or The Treasury, in the early 19th century by the area's Bedouins as they had believed it contained treasures. Many of the building's architectural details have eroded away during the two thousand years since it was carved and sculpted from the cliff. The sculptures are thought to be those of various mythological figures associated with the afterlife. On top are figures of four eagles that would carry away the souls. The figures on the upper level are dancing Amazons with double-axes. The entrance is flanked by statues of the twins Castor and Pollux who lived partly on Olympus and partly in the underworld. Joe Sermarini
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Kyme, AeolisCumae (Cuma, in Italian) is an ancient Greek settlement lying to the northwest of Naples in the Italian region of Campania. The settlement is believed to have been founded in the 8th century BC by Greeks from the city of Cuma and Chalkis in Euboea upon the earlier dwellings of indigenous, Iron-Age peoples whom they supplanted. Eusebius placed Cumae's Greek foundation at 1050 BC. Its name comes from the Greek word kyma (κύμα), meaning wave - perhaps in reference to the big waves that the peninsula of Κyme in Euboea has.
There is also a small, modern Greek Euboean city called Kύμη (Kyme or Cuma or Cyme) as well as the nearby recently excavated ancient Greek city of Cuma [1], the source point for the Cumae alphabet. According to a myth mentioned by Aristotle and Pollux, princess Demodike (or Hermodike) of Kyme, is the inventor of money. (Aristot. fr. 611, 37; Pollux 9, 83,[2])
Cumae was the first Greek colony on the mainland of Italy (Magna Graecia), there having been earlier starts on the islands of Ischia and Sicily by colonists from the Euboean cities of Chalcis (Χαλκίς) and possibly Eretria (Ερέτρια) or Cuma (Kύμη).
Cumae is perhaps most famous as the seat of the Cumaean Sibyl. Her sanctuary is now open to the public. The colony was also the entry point onto the Italian peninsula for the Cumean alphabet, a variant of which was adapted by the Romans.
The colony spread throughout the area over the 6th and centuries BC, gaining sway over Puteoli and Misenum and, thereafter, the founding of Neapolis in 470 BC.
The growing power of the Cumaean Greeks, led many indigenous tribes of the region, notably the Dauni and Aurunci with the leadership of the Capuan Etruscans. This coalition was defeated by the Cumaeans in 524 BC under the direction of Aristodemus. The combined fleets of Cumae and Syracuse defeated the Etruscans at the Battle of Cumae in 474 BC.
Lucius Tarquinius Superbus, the last mythical King of Rome, lived his life in exile at Cumae after the establishment of the Roman Republic.
Cumae was also a place where a widely influential early Christian work The Shepherd of Hermas was said to have been inspired by way of visions.
The colony was built on a large rise, the seaward side of which was used as a bunker and gun emplacement by the Germans during World War II.
In Roman mythology, there is an entrance to the underworld located at Avernus, a crater near Cumae, and was the route Aeneas used to descend to the Underworld
Kyme in Aeolis, c.350-250 BC, Ae 9-16 mm, cf. Sear 4186-7
Obv: Eagle
Rev: One handled vase (or cup, it is upside down in photo)
From Ebay
Check
ecoli
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L. Scribonius Libo - AR denariusRome
²67 BC / ¹62 BC
diademed head of Bonus Eventus right
BON·EVENT / LIBO
Puteal Scriboniarum (Scribonian well) ornamented with garland and two lyres, hammer at base
PVTEAL
SCRIBON
¹Crawford 416/1a, RSC I Scribonia 8a, Sydenham 928, SRCV 367
²Mark Passehl - Roman moneyer & coin type chronology, 150 – 50 BC
4,1g 19mm
ex Roma Numismatics
The reverse of this coin depicts the Puteal Scriboniarum which L. Scribonius Libo renovated. According to ancient sources, the Puteal Scriboniarum was a bidental, that is, a spot which had been struck by lightning. It took its name from its resemblance to the low enclosure around a well (puteus) that was between the Temple of Castor and Pollux and the Temple of Vesta, near the Porticus Julia and the Arcus Fabiorum (arch of the Fabii). The praetor’s tribunal was convened nearby, having been removed from the comitium in the 2nd century BC. It thus became a place where litigants, money-lenders and business people congregated. Foundations of well were discovered during excavations in 1950. Bonus Eventus, originally the god of success in trade and agriculture who should ensure good harvest, bacame later the god of luck and happy end. He could commemorate recent event - the end of Catilinarian conspiracy.J. B.
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Lydia, Philadelphia. Caligula AE18. DioscuriObv: ΓAIOΣ KAIΣAΡ, bare head right, star behind
Rev: ΦIΛAΔEΛΦEΩN ..., laureate and jugate busts of the Dioscuri right.
Older references identify imperial family members on the reverse but RPC identifies them as Dioscuri. RPC notes, "That the jugate busts probably do not represent Germanicus and Agrippina I, Germanicus and Agrippina as Apollo and Artemis, or Apollo and Artemis (see BMC; Imhoof-Blumer, LS, pp. 116-117; Trillmich, Familienpropaganda der Kaiser und Claudius, pp. 130-131) since the further figure can sometimes be seen to be laureate (e.g. 2023/1 = BMC 53). It must therefore be male, and the two interpreted as the Dioscuri, who had previously appeared on the coinage of Philadelphia." The Dioscuri are also found on the imperial coinage of Caligula. In addition, since the magistrate named on the reverse is a priest, religious symbolism would be appropriate. The facial features of the reverse busts do, however, resemble members of the family of Caligula. Perhaps the they are Nero and Drusus Caesars as the brothers Castor and Pollux.
-FORVM ANCIENT COINS
ancientone
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MaxentiusAE (7,14g - 26mm)
obv. IMP C MAXENTIVS P F AVG
laureate head right
rev. AETERNITAS AVG N, the Dioscuri Castor and Pollux standing facing each other, each holding sceptre and holding a horse by the bridle
in exergue. MOSTS
mint Ostia
Struck 309 AD
RIC VI Ostia 14HolgerG
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MaxentiusMaxentius, castor, pollux, romulus, remus and the she wolfChance Vandal
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Maxentius RIC 16Obv: IMP C MAXENTIVS P F AVG
laureate head right
Rev: AETE-RNITAS A-VG N,
The Dioscurs Castor and Pollux,standing facing each other,
each with star above, nude but chlamys hanging from shoulder,
leaning on sceptres & holding horses by bridles, she-wolf & twins between them
MOSTΔ in ex.
25mm 6.28gmOWL365
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Maxentius - AE follisOstia
309-312 AD
laureate head right
IMP C MAXENTIVS P F AVG
Castor and Pollux, each with star above cap, chlamys over shoulder, leaning on scepter with outer arm, holding bridled horse with inner hand
AETE_RNITAS__AVG N
MOSTS
RIC 35; Cohen 5; Sear 14975
6,3g 23mm
ex JiÅ™í MilitkýJ. B.
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Maxentius 306-312 CE, Ostia mint, Æ 22mm x 26 mm, 6.41 gm., FollisMaxentius 306-312 CE, Ostia mint, Æ 22mm x 26 mm, 6.41 gm., Follis
Obverse: IMP C MAXENTIVS P F AVG, laureate head right
Reverse: AETERNITAS AVG N, Castor and Pollux (The Dioscuri) standing facing one another, holding horses to center & spears to outside, MOSTΓ in ex.
Reference: S3776, RIC 35 of Ostia. Daniel F
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MAXENTIUS AE follis - 312 ADobv:IMP.C.MAXENTIVS.PF.AVG (laureate head right)
rev:AETER-NITAS.-AVG.N (Castor and Pollux - the Dioscuri facing one another, holding horses to center & spears to outside) / MOSTS in ex.
ref:RIC VI-Ostia35, C.10, Sear 3776, Van Meter 15
6.41gms, 25mmberserker
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Maxentius AE Follis, Ostia Obv. IMP C MAXENTIVS P F AVG, laureate head right
Rev. AETE-RNITAS AVGN, Castor and Pollux standing facing each other, each leaning on sceptre and holding bridled horse
NOSTS in exergueSkyler
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Maxentius AETERNITAS AVG N from OstiaMaxentius
A.D. 309
25mm 6.4g
IMP C MAXENTIVS P F AVG; laureate head right.
AETERNITAS AVG N; Castor and Pollux standing facing each other, each leaning on sceptre with outer left arm and holding bridled horse, she-wolf with twins between them.
In ex. MOSTΓ
RIC VI Ostia 16
Victor C
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Maxentius AETERNITAS AVG N from Ostia...modifiedMaxentius
A.D. 309- 312
20mm 4.3g
IMP C MAXENTIVS P F AVG; laureate head right.
AETERNITAS AVG N; Castor and Pollux standing facing each other, each leaning on sceptre with outer left arm and holding bridled horse.
In ex. MOSTS
RIC VI Ostia 35
likely modified for use as a solidus weight
Victor C
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Maxentius as Augustus, AE Follis.Ostia 309-312 A.D. 6.20g - 23.8mm, Axis 6h.
Obv: IMP C MAXENTIVS PF AVG - Laureate head right.
Rev: AETE-RNITAS-AVG N - The Dioscuri Castor and Pollux standing facing each other, each holding sceptre and holding a horse by the bridle. Mintmark MOSTP.
RIC V-I, 35, P; Cohen 5; Sear 14975.
Christian Scarlioli
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Maxentius FollisMaxentius Follis. Ostia mint. IMP C MAXENTIVS P F AVG, laureate head right / AETE-RNITAS A-VGN, Castor and Pollux standing facing each other, each leaning on sceptre and holding bridled horse.
Ostia RIC 14Tanit
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Maxentius FollisMaxentius Follis. Ostia mint. IMP C MAXENTIVS P F AVG, laureate head right / AETE-RNITAS A-VGN, Castor and Pollux standing facing each other, each leaning on sceptre and holding bridled horse.
Ostia RIC 14Tanit
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Maxentius FollisMaxentius Follis. Ostia mint. IMP C MAXENTIVS P F AVG, laureate head right / AET-ERNITAS A-VGN, Castor and Pollux standing facing each other, each leaning on sceptre and holding bridled horse/ MOSTQ in ex.
Ostia RIC 35Tanit
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Maxentius FollisMaxentius Æ Follis.
Obv: IMP C MAXENTIVS P F AVG, laureate head right
Rev: AETERNITAS AVG N, Castor and Pollux facing one another, holding horses to center & spears to outside, MOSTS in ex.
RIC 35 of Ostia. Tanit
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Maxentius FollisMaxentius. 306-312 AD. Æ Follis. Struck 309 AD. Ostia mint.
IMP C MAXENTIVS P F AVG, laureate head right / AETE-RNITAS A-VGN, Castor and Pollux standing facing
each other, each leaning on sceptre with outer left arm and holding bridled horse with inner arm; MOST.
RIC VI 14.Tanit
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Maxentius RIC VI, Ostia 16Maxentius AD 306-312, son of Maximianus
AE - Follis, 6.80g, 24mm
Ostia 1st officina, middle to late 309
obv. IMP C MAXENTIVS PF AVG
bust, laureate, r.
rev. AET - ERNITAS - AVG N
The dioscurs Castor and Pollux, each with a star above cap, nude but for chlamys
hanging from shoulder, standing facing each other, each leaning on sceptre with outer
arm and holding bridled horse with inner arm; she-wolf with twins between them.
MOSTA in ex.
RIC VI, Ostia 16; C.10
about EF
added to www.wildwinds.com
Jochen
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Maxentius RIC VI, Ostia 35Maxentius, AD 306-312, son of Maximianus
AE - Follis, 5.55g, 26mm
Ostia, 2nd officina, AD 309-Oct. 312
obv. IMP C MAXENTIVS PF AVG
Head, laureate, r.
rev. AETE - RNITAS - AVG N
The Dioscurs, Castor and Pollux, each with star above his cap, stg. looking at
each other, nude except chlamys hanging down from their shoulders, resting
with outer arm on sceptre and holding with the other hand bridled horses.
in ex. M[OS]TS
RIC VI, Ostia 35
good F-about VF
Jochen
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Maxentius, 306 - 312 ADObv: IMP C MAXENTIVS PF AVG, laureate head of Maxentius facing right.
Rev: AETERNITAS AVG N, Dioscuri, Castor and Pollux, standing facing each other, each holding a horse by the bridle; MOSTQ in exergue.
Billon Follis, Ostia mint, 309 - 312 AD
7.1 grams, 24 mm, 180°
RIC VI 35, S14975, VM 14Matt Inglima
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Maxentius, 306-312 AD. AE Follis, Ostia, AD 309. R1 RareIMP C MAXENTIVS PF AVG, laureate head right /
AETERNITAS AVG N, the Dioscuri Castor and Pollux, each with a star above their caps, naked but for chlamys hanging from shoulder, standing facing each other, each leaning on sceptre and holding horse's bridle; she-wolf with twins between them.
Mintmark: MOSTΓ
RIC VI Ostia 16; Cohen 10.
25mm.,6.36g., _4600EAntonivs Protti
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Maxentius, AD 307-312AE Follis, 27.11mm (5.59 gm).
IMP C MAXENTIVS P F AVG, laureate head right / AETE-RNITAS A-VG N, Castor and Pollux, wolf and twins left between them, each with star above cap, naked but for chlamys hanging from shoulders, standing facing each other, each leaning on sceptre with outer arm and holding bridled horse with inner arm; MOSTΔ in exergue. Ostia mint, struck AD 309.
RIC VI, 16 Ostia (pg. 403).
socalcoins
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Maxentius, AE follisMaxentius. 278-312.
Ostia. 309-312 AD.
6.59g/25mm
IMP C MAXENTIVS P F AVG, laureate head right
AETERNITAS AVG N, the Dioscuri Castor and Pollux standing facing each other, each holding sceptre and holding a horse by the bridle. Mintmark MOSTS.
References: RIC 35; Cohen 5; Sear 14975.
AAHMRL
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Postumius Albinus. 96 BC. DenariusPostumius Albinus. 96 BC.
ROMA / X Laureate head of Apollo r., star.
A ALBINVS S F Dioscuri watering horses at fountain, crescent.
Cr. 335/10a; RSC Postumia 5. Rare.
The Romans believed that the Dioscuri twins aided them on the battlefield. The construction of the Temple of Castor and Pollux, located in the Roman Forum at the heart of their city, was undertaken to fulfil a vow sworn by Aulus Postumius Albus Regillensis in gratitude at the Roman victory in the Battle of Lake Regillus . According to legend, the twins fought at the head of the Roman army and subsequently brought news of the victory back to Rome. After battle, they were also seen watering their horses and that scene is represented on this coin.
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RIC 6, p.404, 35 - Maxentius, dioscouri Maxentius
Follis, 309-312, Ostia.
Obv.: IMP C MAXENTIVS P F AVG, bust, laureate
Rev: The dioscouri Castor and Pollux, standing holding horses, MOSTQ.
RIC VI 35
AE, 5.94g, 24.3mm
shanxi
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ROMAN EMPIRE PROVINCIAL, Hadrian, Tripolis, Phoenicia11.4 grams
obv: Bust right
rev: Busts right of the Dioscuri, jugate
Note: "The Disocuri were Castor and Polydeuces (or Pollux), the twin sons of Leda and Zeus and the brothers of Helen of Troy." - James Hunter
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ROMAN EMPIRE, City Commemorative, URBS ROMA, AD 306-337- Petit bronze, Constantin I, Trèves, 306-337 (Bronze) 20
Avers : Buste casqué et cuirassé de Rome à gauche. VRBS - ROMA.
Revers : La Louve à gauche allaitant Rémus et Romulus. Au-dessus, les deux étoiles des Dioscures (les Gémeaux, Castor et Pollux). TRS.
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ROMAN EMPIRE, Maxentius FollisMaxentius AE or silvered follis 307-312 A.D. Obverse: IMP C MAXENTIVS PF AVG; Laureate head of Maxentius right. Reverse: AETERNITAS AVG N, in exergue MOSTP; The Dioscuri, Castor and Pollux, standing facing each other, each holding a bridled horse and scepter. 24-25 mm. Mint: Ostia. RIC VI 35.James Anderson
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ROMAN EMPIRE, Maxentius FollisObv: IMP C MAXENTIVS P F AVG
laureate head right
Rev: AETE-RNITAS A-VG N,
The Dioscurs Castor and Pollux,standing facing each other,
each with star above, nude but chlamys hanging from shoulder,
leaning on sceptres & holding horses by bridles, she-wolf & twins between them
MOSTΔ in ex.
RIC VI : 16.
25mm 6.28gm
 OWL365
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Roman Provincial: Hadrian, AE25 Tetrassarion.Hadrian, AE25 Tetrassarion, Phoenicia, Tripolis 117 A.D. 9.72g - 25mm.
Obv: AVTOK KAICAP AΔPAINOC CEB - Laureate bust right, aegis on far shoulde.
Rev: ΤΡIΠOΛEITΩΝ - Jugate laureate and draped busts of the Dioscuri (Castor & Pollux) right, each wearing pileus surmounted by star, HKY (date) behind.
Ref: SNG Cop 280; BMC 48.
Provenance: Chris Scarlioli Collection.
Christian Scarlioli
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ROMAN REPUBLIC, AR Denarius, "Anonymous Gens"Mint:Roma
206/194 BC
Dimensions:20.6mm/3.56grms
Obverse:Anépigraph
Reverse: ROMA/Star symbol
Réf:RRC113/1
Conservation:TB+
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T. Quinctius - AR denariusRome
²110 BC / ¹112-111 BC
laureate bust of Hercules left, wearing lion-skin and holding club
Desultor galloping left, his second horse at his side
TI rat (control symbol) Q
• over N
D•S•S incuse on tablet
¹Crawford 297/1b, SRCV I 174, RSC I Quinctia 6, Sydenham 563
²Mark Passehl - Roman moneyer & coin type chronology, 150 – 50 BC
3,8g 17mm
D.S.S. is believed to stand for "de Senatus sententia," referring to the Senate's role in providing the Ludi Apollinares - equestrian games in honor of Apollo. It was at these games that desultors, bridles and whip in hand, mounted two bare-backed horses, riding one of them and leading another, and then at full gallop leaped alternately from one horse to the other many times, changing positions with amazing agility. Young Romans, some of the highest rank, not content with driving the biga or quadriga, carried these exercises to the utmost excess. The Roman desultor wore a pileus and by managing two horses honored the memory of Pollux representing his deceased (missing) brother Castor, as well as himself.J. B.
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Temple of Castor & PolluxThree remaining columns of the Temple of Castor and Pollux in RomeJay GT4
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The DioscuriIn Greek mythology, Castor (or Kastor) and Pollux (sometimes called Polydeuces) were the twin sons of Leda and the brothers of Helen of Troy and Clytemnestra. They are known as the Gemini, Latin for twins. According to Liddell and Scott's Lexicon, kastor is Greek for "beaver", and poludeukeis means "very sweet".
Polydeuces was a powerful boxer, and Castor a great horseman.
In Roman mythology, Castor was venerated much more often than Polydeuces. He was known as Castore.
When Theseus and Pirithous kidnapped their sister Helen and carried her off to Aphidnae, the twins rescued her and counter-abducted Theseus' mother, Aethra. They also accompanied Jason on the Argo; during the voyage, Polydeuces killed King Amycus in a boxing match.
When Astydameia, queen of Iolcus, offended Peleus, the twins assisted him in ravaging her country.
Castor and Polydeuces abducted and married Phoebe and Hilaeira, the daughters of Leucippus. In return, Idas and Lynceus, nephews of Leucippus (or rival suitors), killed Castor. Polydeuces was granted immortality by Zeus, and further persuaded Zeus to share his gift with Castor. (In some accounts, only Polydeuces was fathered by Zeus, while Leda and her husband Tyndareus conceived Castor. This explains why only Polydeuces was granted immortality.) Accordingly, the two spend alternate days as gods on Olympus and as deceased mortals in Hades.
Their festival was on July 15. They had their own temple in the Roman Forum: see Temple of Castor and Pollux.
Compare with Amphion and Zethus of Thebes, with Romulus and Remus of Rome, the Alcis of Germanic Mythology and with the Asvins of Vedic Mythology. Some have supposed a general Indo-European origin for the myth of the divine twins.
The constellation Gemini is said to represent these twins, and its brightest stars Castor and Pollux (α and β Geminorum) are named for them. There are also ancient sources which identify them with the morning and evening stars
ecoli
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Thrace * Moesia, Istrus * 400 - 350 BC. Silver Stater
Thrace * Moesia, Istrus * 400 - 350 BC. Silver Stater
Obv: Double male heads facing - tête-bêche, left inverted. Dioscurii * Castor & Polydeuces (Pollux)
Rev: Sea-Eagle flying left, attacking a dolphin with extended talons. IS TPIH above, . (Pellet) center, below the Eagle and above the dolphin; AG monogram below in area of exergue.
Size: ca. 18.5 mm.
Weight: 5.0 grams
Die axis: 0 degs.
SNG BMC Black Sea 246
BMC-3.25, 8
AMNG 417
Tiathena
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Trajan Temple OctostyleTRAJAN (Marcus Ulpias Trsisnus) Emperor 98 - 117 AD- Octastyle Temple, 26.7mm, 11.38g
Obverse: (IMP CAES NERVAE) TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS VI P P Laureate Head Right
Reverse: SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI, S.C. Octastyle temple pax standing within. Scarce type in the SPQR series.
A temple could be tetrastyle (having four columns on the front), hexastyle (six, Temples of Saturn, Vespasian, Concord, Divine Julius),
octastyle (eight, Temple of Castor and Pollux), or decastyle (ten, Temple of Venus and Rome). Octastyle is the rarest found on Roman Coins.
SCARCESRukke
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