Mysia. Kyzikos circa 300-200 BC.
Bronze Æ

29 mm, 16,34 g

Head of Kore Soteira right, wearing oak wreath, her hair in sphendone / K-[Y] Z-[I], tripod; below, tunny right; to lower left, monogram; to lower right, aphlaston.

Nearly Extremely Fine

Von Fritze III, 21; cf. SNG von Aulock 1227; SNG Paris 443-5 var. (differing monograms and symbols).

In ancient Greek religion and mythology, Kore Soteira (also spelled "Core Soteira") is a title given to the goddess Persephone. The name "Kore" means "maiden" or "girl," and "Soteira" means "savior" or "deliverer." Together, the title Kore Soteira translates to "Maiden Savior" or "Maiden Deliverer." Persephone was the daughter of Zeus, the king of the gods, and Demeter, the goddess of agriculture and fertility. She was known as the Queen of the Underworld, as she was abducted by Hades, the god of the underworld, and became his wife. Persephone's abduction by Hades was a significant event in Greek mythology and played a crucial role in explaining the changing seasons, as her mother, Demeter, grieved for her loss, causing the earth to become barren during the winter months. The title Kore Soteira emphasizes Persephone's dual role as both a maiden and a goddess with the power to bring salvation or deliverance. It highlights her association with life, death, and rebirth, as she was believed to play a pivotal role in the cycle of nature and fertility. In ancient Greek religion, Persephone was revered in various cults, especially in Eleusis, where she was worshiped as part of the Eleusinian Mysteries, an important religious ritual that involved secret initiation ceremonies. The mysteries were dedicated to Demeter and Persephone and were believed to offer spiritual benefits and a better afterlife to those who participated in them.