Μυθολογικές μορφές στα νομίσματα της Πολυρρήνιας και της Φαλάσαρνας, δύο όμορων αρχαίων πόλεων της Δυτικής Κρήτης

Abstract

Polyrrhenia and Phalasarna were both the most powerful ancient towns in the western part of Crete. The first was built on the mainland, whereas the second was a harbour town. The major political, military and economic growth for both towns maintained from the 4th century BC onwards, when their coinage flourished too, as it is also attested to other Cretan towns. Polyrrhenia had used various coin types, in silver and bronze, for a long period of time (4th - 1st century BC.), having as prominent deities, Zeus, Artemis, Hera and Apollo. On the other hand, Phalasarna retains the same coin types in silver (Head of female goddess / Trident, as symbol of Poseidon and of maritime power) for a shorter period (4th - 3rd century BC). The relief from the sanctuary of Dictynna is a very important document, because it depicts the two patron goddesses respectively. They are presented full-bodied and standing, accompanied with their symbols, in a gesture of handshaking, as a sign of the alliance between the two cities.