★ Excellent portrait ★
Kings of Bithynia. Prusias II Cynegos 182-149 BC.
Tetradrachm AR
33 mm, 17,01 g
Head right, wearing winged diadem / BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΠPOYΣIOY, Zeus Stephanephoros standing left; to inner left, eagle standing left on thunderbolt above two monograms.
Extremely Fine
RG 10b var. (top monogram); SNG von Aulock 254 var. (monograms); SNG Copenhagen -; BMC 2 var. (same); Hirsch 1438 var. (top monogram).
Prusias II, known as *Cynegos* ("the Hunter"), ruled the kingdom of Bithynia in northwestern Asia Minor from 182 to 149 BC. His reign, while notable for its attempts to uphold Hellenistic traditions, was marked by political instability, strained relationships with his neighbors, and ultimately, betrayal within his own family. Prusias inherited the throne from his father, Prusias I "Cholos" ("the Lame"), and initially enjoyed a position of relative stability. Bithynia was strategically located and economically prosperous, benefitting from trade and its proximity to powerful allies. Early in his rule, Prusias sought to maintain good relations with Rome, which had become the dominant force in the eastern Mediterranean. However, his ambitions soon brought him into conflict with Pergamon, ruled by Eumenes II, one of the most influential Hellenistic monarchs of the era. Eager to expand his influence, Prusias II launched campaigns against neighboring states, including Pergamon, but his efforts largely backfired. His aggressive policies alienated potential allies and invited Roman intervention, as Rome increasingly sought to mediate disputes among Hellenistic rulers to maintain control over the region. Prusias II’s reputation as a capable hunter and warrior—reflected in his epithet, *Cynegos*—was overshadowed by his increasingly erratic and oppressive behavior as a ruler. Within his kingdom, Prusias became deeply unpopular due to his heavy taxation and harsh treatment of the Bithynian elite. His paranoia grew as he aged, and he began to see threats to his rule everywhere. This paranoia extended to his own family. Prusias turned against his son, Nicomedes, seeing him as a rival rather than an heir. According to historical accounts, Prusias even sent Nicomedes to Rome, likely hoping to sideline him. However, Nicomedes gained the support of Roman officials, who had grown weary of Prusias’ erratic diplomacy. In the final years of his reign, Nicomedes, with Roman backing, led a rebellion against his father. The uprising gained momentum quickly, as Prusias’ own subjects turned against him. Betrayed and isolated, Prusias sought refuge in a temple but was ultimately executed on the orders of his son. Nicomedes II ascended to the throne, ushering in a new chapter for Bithynia, one more closely aligned with Rome. Prusias II’s reign reflects the challenges faced by smaller Hellenistic kingdoms during a period when Rome’s power was becoming insurmountable. His attempts to project strength and assert independence were undone by poor governance, diplomatic missteps, and his inability to adapt to the shifting political landscape. His epithet, *Cynegos*, intended to evoke vigor and leadership, now serves as a poignant reminder of a ruler whose ambitions were outmatched by the forces of his time.
Current bid | no bid |
Starting price | 5'000 EUR |