Calabria. Tarentum circa 280-272 BC. Drachm AR
Calabria. Tarentum circa 280-272 BC.
Drachm AR
16 mm, 2,90 g
Head of Athena right, wearing helmet decorated with Skylla throwing stone / NEYMHNIOΣ ΠΟΛY, owl standing right, head facing; olive branch to right.
Very Fine
HN Italy 1015.
A helmet decorated with Skylla would bear an intricate and symbolic design, representing a fascinating fusion of Greek mythology and military tradition. In Greek mythology, Skylla (also spelled Scylla) was a fearsome sea monster who dwelled in a narrow strait opposite the whirlpool Charybdis. According to legend, she was once a beautiful nymph who was transformed into a monster by the sea goddess Circe out of jealousy or vengeance. Skylla was depicted as having multiple heads, each with rows of sharp teeth, and a body composed of various sea creatures. The depiction of Skylla on a helmet would likely incorporate elements of her monstrous form, emphasizing her terrifying appearance and fearsome reputation. The helmet's crest might feature the heads of Skylla emerging from the waves, their mouths agape and teeth bared, evoking a sense of menace and danger. In addition to its decorative purpose, a helmet adorned with Skylla could serve as a talisman of protection for the wearer, invoking the power of the sea and its mythological guardians. Warriors adorned with such helmets might believe themselves to be imbued with the strength and ferocity of Skylla, instilling fear in their enemies and inspiring confidence in their allies.
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Calabria. Tarentum circa 280-272 BC.
Drachm AR
16 mm, 2,90 g
Head of Athena right, wearing helmet decorated with Skylla throwing stone / NEYMHNIOΣ ΠΟΛY, owl standing right, head facing; olive branch to right.
Very Fine
HN Italy 1015.
A helmet decorated with Skylla would bear an intricate and symbolic design, representing a fascinating fusion of Greek mythology and military tradition. In Greek mythology, Skylla (also spelled Scylla) was a fearsome sea monster who dwelled in a narrow strait opposite the whirlpool Charybdis. According to legend, she was once a beautiful nymph who was transformed into a monster by the sea goddess Circe out of jealousy or vengeance. Skylla was depicted as having multiple heads, each with rows of sharp teeth, and a body composed of various sea creatures. The depiction of Skylla on a helmet would likely incorporate elements of her monstrous form, emphasizing her terrifying appearance and fearsome reputation. The helmet's crest might feature the heads of Skylla emerging from the waves, their mouths agape and teeth bared, evoking a sense of menace and danger. In addition to its decorative purpose, a helmet adorned with Skylla could serve as a talisman of protection for the wearer, invoking the power of the sea and its mythological guardians. Warriors adorned with such helmets might believe themselves to be imbued with the strength and ferocity of Skylla, instilling fear in their enemies and inspiring confidence in their allies.
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