Kingdom of Macedon, Philip II
AV Stater
馬其頓王國腓力二世
黃金斯塔特
Item number: A167
Year: 359-336 BC
Material: Gold
Size: 18.0 x 17.6 mm
Weight: 8.61 g
Provenance: Heritage Auctions 2023
EL | The abbreviated term for the pale yellow alloy of gold and silver, known as electrum. |
AV | In antiquity, the abbreviation for gold, derived from the Latin terms “avrvm” or “aurum”. |
AR | In antiquity, the abbreviation for silver, derived from the Latin terms “argentvm” or “argentum”. |
AE | In antiquity, the abbreviation for bronze, derived from the Latin terms “aenevs” or “aeneus”. |
This specimen is a gold stater issued during the late reign or posthumous period of King Philip II of Macedon, serving as the standard circulating currency of the Macedonian Kingdom.
The obverse of this coin features a right-facing portrait of the war god Apollo, adorned with a laurel wreath. The reverse depicts a chariot known as a Biga, pulled by two horses, with a Kantharos cup underneath. Below is the Greek inscription “ΦIΛIΠΠΟΥ,” indicating the ruler’s name “Philip”.
The Kantharos, prevalent during ancient Greek and Roman periods, is a type of drinking vessel characterized by its tall, curved shape, twin handles, and wide bowl, typically crafted from ceramic or metal, often embellished with decorative patterns or reliefs. Widely popular in ancient Greek and Roman societies, the Kantharos was frequently employed in religious rituals and banquets, particularly in ceremonies associated with the deity Dionysus, showcasing its significance as a pivotal expression of ancient culture and artistry.
The term “ΦIΛIΠΠΟΥ” transliterates the Greek name “PILIPPOU” (Philippos), which corresponds in its original form to “Philip” in English. This name originates from the Greek words “φίλος” (philos, meaning “friend”) and “ἵππος” (hippos, meaning “horse”). Therefore, the name “Philip” in English can be understood as “lover of horses” or “friend of horses.”
The term “Biga” (Latin) refers to a type of dual-wheeled chariot extensively utilized in both ancient Roman and Greek societies, typically drawn by two horses. Its applications encompassed transportation, competitive events, military engagements, and religious rituals. Nevertheless, over time, the emergence of alternative tactics such as infantry and cavalry gradually supplanted the military significance of chariots. By the late period of the Roman Empire, chariots had gradually faded from the military arena, becoming obsolete equipment in history.
However, chariot racing, as a popular cultural phenomenon, has successfully endured. This competition has remained widely embraced, even continuing to be held in Constantinople during the Byzantine period. It was even included as an event in the ancient Olympic Games. To this day, chariot racing events persist in various regions, perpetuating the allure of this ancient tradition.
The Kingdom of Macedonia was a significant political entity in ancient Greece, situated in the northern Balkan Peninsula. It played a crucial role in ancient history, particularly during the 4th to 3rd centuries BC. King Philip II of Macedonia and his son Alexander the Great were the most renowned rulers of the kingdom, known for expanding Macedonian territory and establishing a formidable empire.
The Kingdom of Macedonia gained renown for its advanced military tactics, such as the Macedonian phalanx, which served as the foundation for later Greek and Roman empires. Under the reign of Alexander the Great, the Macedonian Empire reached its zenith, extending its dominion across Asia and Africa. However, as history unfolded, internal strife plagued the Kingdom of Macedonia, ultimately leading to its conquest by the Roman Empire, thus becoming a part of the Roman Republic.
King Philip II of Macedonia was a significant ruler of the ancient Macedonian Empire, reigning from 359 BC to 336 BC. He held power during the mid-4th century BC to the early 3rd century BC. Philip II was an outstanding military strategist and statesman who dedicated himself to unifying the fragmented Kingdom of Macedonia and expanding its territory. He implemented a series of reforms that bolstered Macedonia’s military strength and political organization, establishing a powerful army and successfully conquering the entire Greek peninsula.
One of Philip II’s greatest achievements was the creation of a dominant military force in Greece – the renowned Macedonian phalanx, a tactic that served as the foundation for Alexander the Great’s subsequent conquest of the world. However, his rule ultimately came to an end with his assassination by an assassin, leading to his son Alexander the Great inheriting the throne and expanding the influence of the Macedonian Empire into Asia and Africa.
物件編號: A167
年代: 公元前 359-336 年
材料: 黃金
尺寸: 18.0 x 17.6 mm
重量: 8.61 g
來源: 海瑞德拍賣行 2023
EL | 金和銀的淺黃色合金electrum的簡寫 |
AV | 古代黃金的標準簡寫(來自拉丁語avrvm或aurum) |
AR | 古代銀的簡寫(來自拉丁語argentvm或argentum) |
AE | 古代青銅的簡寫(來自拉丁語aenevs或aeneus) |