KINGS of MACEDON Alexander III the Great.(336-323 BC). Kyme. Tetradrachm.

Obv : Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin.

Rev : AΛEΞANΔPOY.
Zeus seated left with eagle and sceptre. Controls: jug in wreath in left field and YBPIΣTAΣ in exerque.
Price 1643.

Condition : Good very fine.

Material : Silver.
Axis : 12h

Weight : 16.38 gr
Diameter : 32 mm

Kyme (or Cyme) was an ancient Greek city located in Aeolis, in the region of western Asia Minor, near modern-day Nemrut Bay in Turkey. Known as one of the most prominent and influential cities in Aeolis, Kyme played an important role in the political, cultural, and economic life of the region during the Archaic, Classical, and Hellenistic periods. Its strategic coastal location and fertile hinterland contributed to its prosperity, while its allegiance with various powers over time reflected the city’s ability to adapt and survive in a volatile political landscape.

Kyme is believed to have been founded around the 11th century BC by Greek settlers from Euboea. According to ancient traditions, the city was named after an Amazon queen, Kyme, who supposedly led her people to settle in the area. This connection with the legendary Amazons added to the city’s mystique, though it is uncertain whether the story has historical roots or was a later mythological association.

Kyme became part of the Aeolian League, a confederation of cities with shared ethnic and cultural ties. This league, along with the Ionian and Dorian leagues, formed the broader Greek presence on the western coast of Asia Minor. As one of the leading Aeolian cities, Kyme enjoyed considerable prestige and influence. It was often referred to as “Kyme the Greatest” in ancient texts, a testament to its prominence among the Aeolian cities.

Due to its location on the Aegean coast, Kyme served as a major port and trading center, facilitating the exchange of goods between Asia Minor and the Greek mainland, as well as with other regions around the Mediterranean. Its economy was bolstered by agriculture, fishing, and trade, and it produced a variety of goods, including olive oil, wine, and pottery. Kyme’s prosperity is evidenced by the wealth and variety of artifacts found in the area, including fine ceramics and metalwork, which show both local craftsmanship and influences from other Greek and Anatolian cultures.

Throughout its history, Kyme often found itself under the influence or control of more powerful states. During the 6th century BC, the city was absorbed into the Lydian Empire under King Croesus. Later, it fell under Persian control after Cyrus the Great defeated Croesus and expanded the Achaemenid Empire. Despite this, Kyme maintained a degree of autonomy and continued to thrive as a regional center.

In the 4th century BC, following the conquest of Asia Minor by Alexander the Great, Kyme, along with other Greek cities, experienced a revival of Greek culture and autonomy under Hellenistic rule. After Alexander’s death, Kyme, like many cities in Asia Minor, changed hands between various Hellenistic kingdoms, including the Seleucid and Attalid dynasties. Despite these shifts in control, Kyme continued to prosper and developed a reputation for stability and resilience.

During the Roman period, Kyme became part of the Roman province of Asia and benefited from the peace and stability of the Pax Romana. The city’s economic activity flourished under Roman rule, as did its cultural and civic life. Kyme’s coinage from this period is notable, featuring symbols such as the Amazon queen Kyme, the goddess Athena, and other mythological figures that highlighted the city’s heritage and pride in its historical roots.

Kyme was known for its religious devotion, particularly to Apollo and Athena, the patron deities of the city. The city had temples dedicated to these gods, which served as centers of worship and pilgrimage. Religious festivals and games were held in honor of these deities, fostering a sense of community and shared cultural identity among the people of Kyme.

The city also had a reputation for oracular wisdom. According to legend, Kyme was home to a mysterious oracle that gave ambiguous responses, leading to the saying “The Kymean answer,” which was often used to describe an answer that was unclear or evasive. This oracle may have contributed to the city’s mystique and added to its cultural prestige.

Kyme contributed to the intellectual and cultural life of the Greek world as well. Hesiod, one of the earliest Greek poets, is sometimes claimed by ancient sources to have had connections to Kyme, although this remains uncertain. Nevertheless, the city’s reputation as a cultural center grew over the centuries.

Today, the ancient ruins of Kyme are limited, with much of the site still unexcavated. However, remnants of city walls, temples, and public buildings have been identified, hinting at the city’s former grandeur. The site’s archaeological importance lies not only in its architecture but also in the wealth of artifacts, inscriptions, and coins found in the area, which provide valuable insights into the daily life, trade, and religious practices of the city’s inhabitants.

The legacy of Kyme is preserved through its coinage, which circulated widely in the ancient world and helped to spread the city’s influence far beyond its borders. These coins, often depicting Athena or the Amazon queen Kyme, serve as enduring symbols of the city’s cultural identity and significance. The image of the Amazon on Kyme’s coins reflects the city’s mythical heritage and its pride in its unique origins.

Kyme was a vibrant and resilient city that played a significant role in the ancient world, especially within the Aeolian region of Asia Minor. Its strategic location, economic prosperity, and cultural achievements made it an influential.