★ Establishing a direct connection between Homer’s Iliad and the Roman mythological tradition ★

TROAS. Ilium. Pseudo-autonomous issue. Assarion (Bronze, 19 mm, 5.08 g, 1 h), time of Galba (?), circa 68. ΕΚΤΩΡ Hektor running to left, right arm outstretched and holding spear and shield with his left. Rev. ΙΛΙ She-wolf standing left, head to right, suckling the twins Romulus and Remus. Bellinger TR212. RPC I 2318. Some deposits, otherwise, good fine.

From an American collection, ex Gitbud & Naumann E-Auction 27, 4 January 2015, 420.

This coin from Ilium features Hektor, the greatest warrior of Troy, on the obverse, and the Lupa Romana with the infants Romulus and Remus on the reverse. Echoing the themes of Vergil’s Aeneid, it establishes a direct connection between Homer’s Iliad and the Roman mythological tradition. By portraying its legendary hero alongside Rome's founding figure, Ilium not only seeks to secure favor with the world power but also aims to assert its prominence in the competition for honorary rights against rival cities in Asia Minor.