[ΚΕΝΟ]



Minotaur and labyrinth on Knossian coins

Ν1257
Metal (Silver)
Use-wear on surfaces
Diameters: 2 cm., 2.3 cm.
Tylissos
Late Classical period:
375-350 BC:
Gallery:
XXI
Case:
212
Exhibition thematic unit:
Cretan Coinage
Gods, heroes and daemons on Cretan coinage
Description
The Labyrinth of Knossos and the protagonists of the widespread myths associated with it dominate the numismatic iconography of the city, from its earliest issues (mid-5th c. BC) to the latest, when it became a Roman colony (1st c. AD). Thus the hybrid Minotaur, Minos and Ariadne are associated with various versions of Daedalus’ legendary maze: square, circular or in the shape of a crooked cross, it was a reference to the distant past of Knossos, functioning as the symbol of the city on its silver and bronze coinage and its official seals. Knossos (stater, 375-350 BC). Obverse: Minotaur, holding a stone in his right hand, in his characteristic “kneeling-running stance” indicating swift movement. Reverse: square labyrinth containing multiple meander-like partitions. Uninscribed.
Bibliography:
J. Svoronos, Numismatique de la Crète ancienne, Mâcon 1890, p. 67, 12, pl. IV, 32. LeRider, Monnaies Crétoises du Ve au Ier siècle av. J-C, Paris 1966, p. 195, pl. XXV, 2-3. J. Hazzidakis, Les villas Minoennes de Tylissos, Etudes Crétoises III, Paris 1934, p. 109, pl. XXXII,a. Α. Kotsonas, "A Cultural History of the Cretan Labyrinth: Monument and Memory from Prehistory to the Present", American Journal of Archaeology 122.3(2018), pp. 367-396. C. Devoto, "Some Remarks on the Chronology of the First Coins of Knossos, Crete", Adalya 22(2019), pp. 151-152. M. Stefanakis - N. Konstantinidi, "Associating the Image with the Myth on ancient Cretan coins: Three case studies", Fortunatae 32 (2020.2), pp. 762-769.
Author:
K. S.


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