Cimmerian Bosporos. Pantikapaion circa 325-310 BC.
Bronze Æ

20 mm, 7,21 g

Bearded head of satyr right / Π - Α - Ν, forepart of griffin left; below, sturgeon left.

Extremely Fine

SNG Stancomb 542; MacDonald 69; SNG BM Black Sea 869-71; HGC 7, 113.

Ex. Leu web auction 23, 3269

Satyrs are mythological creatures from Greek mythology, known for their wild, lustful, and carefree nature. They are often depicted as half-human, half-goat beings, with the upper body of a man and the lower body of a goat, including goat-like legs, hooves, and a tail. Satyrs typically have other animalistic features as well, such as pointed ears, a snub nose, and sometimes horns on their heads. They are closely associated with the god Dionysus, the god of wine, fertility, and revelry. In Greek mythology, satyrs inhabit the forests and mountains, where they spend their days engaging in various forms of mischief and pleasure. They are known for their love of wine, music, dancing, and the pursuit of nymphs, the beautiful female spirits of nature. Satyrs are often seen playing musical instruments, such as the panpipes (syrinx) or the lyre, and they are frequently depicted in the company of Dionysus during his revels. One of the most famous satyrs in mythology is Silenus, a companion and tutor of Dionysus. Silenus is often depicted as older and wiser than the typical satyr, though he shares their love of wine and merrymaking. According to some myths, Silenus possessed the gift of prophecy and great knowledge, particularly when inebriated. Satyrs also play a role in several myths. In one well-known story, the satyr Marsyas challenges the god Apollo to a musical contest, boasting of his skills on the aulos, a double-reed instrument. Marsyas loses the contest and, as punishment for his hubris, is flayed alive by Apollo. This myth highlights the dangers of pride and the importance of respecting the gods. Satyrs embody the uninhibited, primal aspects of human nature, representing a connection to the natural world and the pleasures of the senses. In art and literature, they are often used to explore themes of indulgence, the boundary between civilization and wilderness, and the balance between reason and instinct. Despite their rowdy behavior, satyrs are generally seen as playful rather than malevolent, making them enduring symbols of the joys and excesses of life.