Kings of Thrace. Byzantion. Macedonian. Lysimachos 305-281 BC.
Stater AV

19 mm, 8,62 g

Head of the deified Alexander the Great right, wearing diadem and horn of Ammon / Athena Nikephoros enthroned left, shield resting against base of throne; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ to right, ΛΥΣΙMΑXOY to left, AP monogram to inner left.

Very Fine

Thompson -; cf. The New York Sale XXX, 9 January 2013, 80.

Lysimachos, a prominent figure in the Hellenistic era, had his origins as a Macedonian noble and a trusted general in the ranks of Alexander the Great. His military career saw him play a pivotal role in some of Alexander's most significant campaigns, including the conquest of Persia and the famous Battle of Issus in 333 BC. The demise of Alexander the Great in 323 BC ushered in a tumultuous period of political upheaval as his empire was divided among his trusted generals, known as the Diadochi. Lysimachus received his share, ruling over Thrace, a region encompassing parts of modern- day Greece, Bulgaria, and Turkey. The post-Alexander period was marked by power struggles among the Diadochi, and Lysimachus was embroiled in conflicts with his counterparts, including Seleucus I Nicator, Ptolemy I Soter, and Cassander. These struggles frequently led to shifting alliances and military confrontations, creating a dynamic and ever-changing geopolitical landscape. Lysimachus was known for his robust rule in Thrace and his successful consolidation of power in the region. He extended his dominion into parts of Asia Minor, where he founded the city of Lysimachia, named in his honor. However, one of the most notable chapters in his life was the conflict with Seleucus, which played out in a series of wars known as the Syrian Wars. These wars were characterized by fluid alliances and territorial disputes, reflecting the complex nature of Hellenistic politics. The Battle of Corupedium in 281 BC brought Lysimachus's life and rule to a close. Engaging in combat against Seleucus I, he met his demise on the battlefield, marking the end of his rule. His legacy resides in the intricate dynamics and challenges of the Hellenistic period, a time when the empire of Alexander the Great fragmented, giving rise to a world of ever- shifting alliances and rivalries among his successors.