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Drachm
| Issuer | Knossos |
|---|---|
| Year | 320 BC - 300 BC |
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| Value | Log in to see details |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
| Weight | 5.01 g |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
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| Reverse description | Meander labyrinth design filling the entire reverse field, rendered as a bold, square geometric pattern of interlocking right-angled lines evoking the legendary Minoan Labyrinth of Knossos. The design is symmetrical and deeply incuse, with four quadrants of spiralling meander motif. The coin bears no inscription or exergual legend, with the labyrinth symbol alone serving as the city's primary reverse type. |
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| Mint | Knossos |
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| Additional information |
Knossos maintained its mint into the late fourth century despite being militarily subordinate to, and frequently in conflict with, Lyttos — its chief rival on Crete. The city's continued coin production during this period reflects less civic prosperity than political necessity: coinage was essential for paying mercenaries, and Cretan cities of this era exported soldiers to every major power in the eastern Mediterranean.
Svoronos's classification of this type drew heavily on hoards recovered from the island in the nineteenth century, several of which suggest these drachms circulated well beyond Crete.