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Dekadrachm - Hieron II
| Issuer | Syracuse |
|---|---|
| Year | 217 BC - 215 BC |
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| Shape | Round (irregular) |
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| Reverse description | A charioteer, depicted in dynamic profile and clad in a billowing chiton, drives a biga of two galloping horses vigorously to the left; the horses are shown in full stride with forelegs raised, conveying great energy and movement. A monogram appears in the upper field above the chariot group. The legend ΙΕΡΩΝΟΣ (genitive of Hieron) is inscribed in the exergue below, identifying the issuing authority as King Hieron II of Syracuse. The composition reflects the prestigious quadriga and biga traditions of classical Syracusan coin design. |
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| Mint | Syracuse |
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| Additional information |
Hieron II ruled Syracuse for over half a century — unusually long stability for a Sicilian Greek city — but his final years coincided with Hannibal's devastating victories over Rome at the Trebia, Lake Trasimene, and Cannae. The precise dating of this issue to 217–215 BC places it squarely within that crisis, when Hieron was weighing whether to abandon his Roman alliance. He died around 215 BC still loyal to Rome; his grandson Hieronymus immediately switched sides, a decision that ultimately brought Roman siege and the death of Archimedes.