KINGS of PAPHLAGONIA. Pylaimenes II/III Euergetes.(Circa 133-103 BC). Ae.

Obv : Facing boukranion.

Rev : ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ / ΠYΛAIMENOY EYEPΓETOY.
Winged kerykeion.
SNG BM Black Sea 1555-6; HGC 7, 441.

Condition : The coin is in good condition, with well-preserved details, particularly on the bull's head and the reverse symbols. The patina is a dark brown with slight greenish undertones, giving it a classic ancient look. There is minimal corrosion, and the surface remains relatively smooth with some small areas of wear, adding to the coin's authentic, aged appearance. The inscriptions are still legible, and the overall condition is strong for its age.Good very fine.

Material : Bronze.
Axis : 12h

Weight : 4.09 gr
Diameter : 17 mm

Pylaimenes was a prominent figure in Greek mythology and one of the kings of Paphlagonia, an ancient region located along the northern coast of modern-day Turkey, near the Black Sea. Paphlagonia, known for its rugged terrain and fierce warriors, was often mentioned in ancient texts for its involvement in significant military conflicts. Pylaimenes himself is most famously featured in Homer's Iliad, where he is depicted as a valiant ally of the Trojans during the Trojan War.

According to the Iliad, Pylaimenes led a contingent of Paphlagonian troops to support King Priam and the city of Troy. His soldiers were described as brave and skilled in battle, riding in chariots and armed with spears. Pylaimenes, a warrior of immense stature and strength, fought alongside the other allies of Troy, including the famed warriors from Lycia, Mysia, and Thrace. Despite his bravery and leadership, Pylaimenes met his end during the war. He was killed by the Greek hero Menelaus, the king of Sparta and husband of Helen, whose abduction by Paris had sparked the conflict. Pylaimenes’ death is described in the heat of battle, where he fell before the might of Menelaus’ spear.

However, there is some ambiguity surrounding Pylaimenes’ death. Later in the Iliad, his son, Harpalion, is slain while seeking vengeance for his father's death. This action implies that Pylaimenes may have survived his initial encounter with Menelaus, as some versions of the myth suggest that he was only wounded or temporarily incapacitated. This narrative inconsistency has puzzled scholars, but it highlights the fluidity of oral traditions in ancient epics.

Beyond his role in the Trojan War, Pylaimenes represents a key connection between the people of Paphlagonia and the broader mythological world of the Greeks. The Paphlagonians were known for their loyalty to their allies and their ability to withstand adversity, traits embodied by Pylaimenes himself. His participation in the Trojan War also symbolized the wide-reaching influence of Troy's struggle, drawing in warriors and kings from distant lands.

In later interpretations of the myth, Pylaimenes came to symbolize the steadfastness of regional kings in Asia Minor, who resisted the pressures of more dominant powers while maintaining their autonomy. His legacy, therefore, extends beyond the battlefield and into the realm of cultural memory, where he remains a figure of regional pride and a reminder of the shared history between Greece and Asia Minor.