- 1 Brodersen 1986; Sayar 2007.
- 2 Strabo: VII frags. 51-52; Diodorus Siculus: XX.29.1.
- 3 Pausanias: I.9.8.
- 4 Tzvetkova 2009.
1Lysimachea (modern-day Bolayır)1 was a Hellenistic city located in the neck where the Gallipoli peninsula (Thracian Chersonese) joins the European mainland. After the death of Alexander the Great, his enormously vast empire was divided up, and the regions of Thrace and Northwestern Asia Minor fell to Lysimachus. A short time later, in 309 B.C., Lysimachus founded a new city on the Thracian Chersonese (modern-day Gallipoli Peninsula), naming it Lysimachea after himself2. Lysimachus settled people from neighbouring cities, especially from Cardia (modern-day Bakla Burnu)3, in his new city. Consequently, the lion image that had been in use on Cardia’s coins4 came to be used on the coins and weights of Lysimachea as well.
- 5 For Lysimachus and his activities see Lund 1992.
- 6 Justinus: XVII.1.
- 7 Pliny: IV.18.
- 8 Marcellinus: XXII.8.5.
2Much of Lysimachus’ reign was spent fighting against Alexander’s other successors as well as against the Odrysian king Seuthes III5. Lysimachea, the capital city of his kingdom, was destroyed by an earthquake in 287 B.C.6. He was finally killed fighting while losing battle against the Seleucids at Corupedium in 281 B.C. Though the city of Lysimachea continued to develop while under Seleucid control, by the end of the 2nd century B.C. it had fallen into obscurity. In the time of Pliny it was already deserted7. The name of Lysimachea was mentioned a last time by Ammianus Marcellinus8.
3Although it is hard to estimate the number of the Lysimachean weights in the collections, the number of the known examples is about thirty; but the actual number should be naturally more. The Lysimachean weights are recognised relatively easily.
4Most of the extant examples are of lead, but there are also rare weights of bronze. On the obverses of the Lysimachean weights is depicted a jumping lion. On the large units (such as mna and its multiples) there is a full figure of lion while on the fractions (such as hemimnaion, tetarton etc.) is only a lion protome. As it is clear from the following examples, a bronze hemimnaion weight bears a full-figured lion, contrary to expectations. The lion was a symbol both of Lysimachus, the founder of Lysimachea, and of the city, highly likely, copied from the Cardian coinage. On the Lysimachean weights, besides the lion, there is an abbreviated ethnic ΛΥΣΙ or ΛY), whose letters are placed on each corner. This is an abbreviated form of the ethnic in the genitive Λυσιμαχέων = of Lysimacheans). The reverses of the weights are left blank.
- 9 I would like to thank Önder Öztürk, director of the Tekirdağ Museum and Ahmet Mercan, director of t (...)
5The last decade of the 4th century B.C. is the terminus post quem for the earliest Lysimachean weights since the city was founded in about 309 B.C. The deadline for the Lysimachean weights is about mid-2nd century B.C. when Lysimachea was destroyed by the Thracians. But, even though the attacks of the Thracians destroyed the city dramatically, one may think that the city continued its presence for a while; at least the commercial life was not halted entirely. Consequently, it is possible that the Lysimachean weights may have continued to be produced or used in the second half of the 2nd century B.C. This article deals with sixteen lead weights of Lysimachea, majority from the Tekirdağ Museum and some from various collections, not published previously. They are listed below from the large units to small units9.
6Trimnaion (Fig. 1)
This square lead weight with rounded corners measures 80x79x23 mm and weighs 1400 g; on the upper edge there is a depression (cut); worn. Letters on the corner (Λ-Y-Σ-I) are not visible except the one (lambda) on the top left corner and maybe a Σ on the bottom left corner. On the obverse, there is a lion jumping right, in relief, but it is hardly visible since it is worn. Below the belly of the lion one may expect a letter indicating the denominational mark, i.e. Γ, but it is not visible or there is no letter at all. The reverse is blank. Its mass corresponds to a trimnaion (mna of 466.66 g). Find place and date: Bolayır, 2013.
7Mna (Fig. 2)
Lead weight, triangular in form, measuring 85x86x13 mm and weighing 509 g; there are depressions (cuts) on the face. On the obverse is a lion jumping left, in relief. Above the lion, is a Λ?, i.e. the initial letter for ethnic. Since the obverse is too worn it is difficult to identify the type (or the letter) clearly. The reverse is blank. Its mass corresponds to a mna. Find place and date: Bolayır, 2013.
8Mna (Fig. 3)
This is a square lead weight measuring 66x65x12 mm and weighing 502.9 g with slightly rounded corners; worn. On the obverse, a lion jumping right; on each corner, from top left, Λ-Y-Σ-I; below the belly of the lion, M; all in relief. While Λ-Y-Σ-I stands for (Λυσιμαχέων), M stands for μνᾶ. The reverse of the weight is blank. This weight was acquired in Tekirdağ in 1990s or later.
9Mna (Fig. 4)
This is also a square lead weight measuring 60x59x13 mm and weighing 501.4 g with slightly rounded corners; worn; on the obverse there is an iron piece nailed into the weight. On the obverse, a lion jumping right; on each corner, from top left, A-Y-E-I which stands for Λυσιμαχέων); below the belly of the lion (between Σ and I), M which stands for μνᾶ; all in relief. The reverse of the weight is blank. Find place and date: Bolayır, 2013.
10Hemimnaion (Fig. 5)
A square lead weight which measures 46x45x 12 mm and weighs 248.2 g; worn. On the obverse is a lion protome jumping right, head turned back?; on each corner, from top left, Λ-Y-Σ-I; below the belly of the lion (between Σ and I), H which stands for ἡμίμναιον (mna of 496.4 g); all in relief. The reverse of the weight is blank. This weight was acquired in Tekirdağ in 1990s or later.
11Hemimnaion (Fig. 6)
A square lead weight measuring 46x46x12 mm and weighing 248 g; with rounded corners; worn. On the obverse is a protome of a lion jumping right; its head is discoid, looking back. On the corners, Λ-[Y]-Σ-I; below the belly of the lion is an M-like H which stands for ημίμναιον (mna of 496 g); all in relief. The reverse is blank. Find place and date: Bolayır, 2013.
12Hemimnaion (Fig. 7)
A lead weight, rhombus in form with rounded corners; measuring 50x48x13 mm and weighing 241.2 g; worn. On the obverse is a lion protome jumping right, head turned back; on each corner, from top left, Λ-[Y]-E-I; below the belly of the lion (between Σ and I), H(μίμναιον), mna of 482.4 g; all in relief. The reverse of the weight is blank. This weight was acquired in Tekirdağ in 1990s or later.
13Hemimnaion (Fig. 8)
This lead weight is square in form with rounded corners and slightly concave edges; it measures 46x47x10 mm and weighs 232.5 g. On the obverse is a lion protome jumping right, with its head turned back, in relief; on the corners, Λ-[Y]-Σ-I and below the belly of the lion, H for ‘ημίμναιον (mna of 465 g); all in relief. The reverse is blank. Find place and date: Bolayır, 2013.
14Hemimnaion (Fig. 9)
A lead weight, square in form with rounded corners, measuring 49x48x9 mm and weighing 227.3 g. On the obverse is a lion protome, jumping right, head turned back?; the back part of the animal is worn so it is difficult to be sure whether it is a protome or a full figure but hemimnaion weights generally bear protomes; all in relief. The letters at the corners are not visible except the lambda on the top left corner: Λ-[Y-Σ-I]. The denominational mark which might be placed below the belly of the lion is not visible or no mark. Its mass corresponds to a hemimnaion (mna of 454.6 g). The reverse is blank. Find place and date: Bolayır, 2013.
Pl. 1
1. Tekirdağ Museum (1); 2. Tekirdağ Museum (15); 3. Private coll. RK (001); 4. Tekirdağ Museum (A); 5. Private coll. RK (003); 6. Tekirdağ Museum (3); 7. Private coll. RK (005); 8. Tekirdağ Museum (8); 9. Tekirdağ Museum (16); 10. Private coll. HK (003); 11. Private coll. Eskinazi (17); 12. Karadeniz Ereğli Museum (1989/27); 13. Tekirdağ Museum (B); 14. Tekirdağ Museum (6); Tekirdağ Museum (17); 16. Private coll. HK (004)
15Tritemorion/triton (Fig. 10)
This is a lead weight, square in form with slightly rounded corners; measuring 40x40x10 mm and weighs 159.4 g; worn. On the obverse is a lion protome jumping right; on the top left and right corners, Λ-Y; below the leg of the lion, Γ (=3) which stands for tritemorion, i.e. one-third of a mna (mna of 478.2 g); all in relief. Otherwise the Γ may be a damaged T, then again it stands for tritemorion or triton; but it looks like a gamma rather than a tau since it has no top left bar; all in relief. The reverse of the weight is blank. This weight was acquired in Malkara in 2000s.
16Tetarton (Fig. 11)
A lead weight, square in form with rounded corners; measuring 36x34x10 mm and weighing 122.51 g; a small depression on left corner; worn. On the obverse is a lion protome jumping right; on the top left and right corners, Λ-Y whose both letters are hardly discernible; all in relief. Despite the lack of denomination mark its mass corresponds to a tetarton, i.e. 1/4 mna (mna of 490.04 g). The reverse of the weight is blank. The weight was acquired in Selçuk, 2008.
17Tetarton (Fig. 12)
A lead weight, square in form with rounded corners; measuring 37x37x9 mm and weighs 120.86 g; worn. On the obverse is a lion protome jumping right, head turned back; on the corners, beginning from the top left Λ-Y-Σ-I but Σ is hardly visible; below the belly of the lion is T+E (ligature) which stands for τέταρτον; all in relief. It is a tetarton, i.e. 1/4 mna (mna of 483.44 g). The reverse of the weight is blank. Bought in 1989; find place uncertain.
18Tetarton (Fig. 13)
A lead weight, square in form with rounded corners; measuring 35x35x10 mm and weighs 120.10 g; worn. On the obverse is a lion protome jumping right; on the top left and right corners, Λ-Y but Y is hardly visible; all in relief. Despite the lack of denomination mark its mass corresponds to a tetarton, i.e. 1/4 mna (mna of 480.4 g). The reverse of the weight is blank. Find place and date: Bolayır, 2013.
19Tetarton (Fig. 14)
A lead weight, square in form with rounded corners and a projection (tab) on the bottom left corner, worn. It measures 40x41x8 mm and weighs 118 g. On the obverse is a lion protome jumping right, in relief; Λ-Y-Σ-I on the corners. Below the belly of the lion, T which stands for τέταρτον (mna of 472 g); all in relief. The reverse is blank. Find place and date: Bolayır, 2013.
20Tetarton (Fig. 15)
A lead weight, square in form with rounded corners and a projection (tab) on the bottom left corner, worn. It measures 35x35x10 mm and weighs 113.35 g. On the obverse, in relief, is a lion protome jumping right; A-Y-[E-I] on the corners. Below the belly of the lion, TE (ligature) which stands for τέταρτον (mna of 453.4 g); all in relief. The reverse is blank. Find place and date: Bolayır, 2013.
21Hektemorion (Fig. 16)
A lead weight, square in form with rounded corners; measuring 35x32x8 mm and weighs 83.9 g; worn. On the obverse is a lion protome jumping right; on the top left and right corners, Λ-[Y] but Y is hardly visible; all in relief. Despite the lack of denomination mark its mass corresponds to a hektemorion, i.e. 1/6 of mna (mna of 503.4 g). The reverse of the weight is blank. This weight was acquired in Malkara in 2000s.
- 10 CPAI Turkey 2: 21.
- 11 CPAI Turkey 3: 2.
- 12 CPAI Turkey 2: 22.
- 13 Louvre, Salle des bronzes, inv. No 1796: Ridder 1915: 166, pl. 115, no. 3318; Vassilev 1988: 8.
- 14 Gorny & Mosch, 175: 323.
- 15 Vassilev 1988: 1. I would like to thank Evgeni Paunov who translated the article from Bulgarian to (...)
- 16 ΛY takes place on the bottom corners on a few weights; for example, CPAI Turkey 3: 3 (Fig. R).
- 17 Lang 1968: no3.
- 18 For its attribution to Lysimachea see Tekin 2013.
22No 1 is the largest unit of the known Lysimachean weights; although it does not bear any unit mark (or illegible since it is worn) its mass corresponds to a trimnaion. When we divide its mass to three, we get ca. 467 g; this figure is a little bit under the standard Lysimachean mna of ca. 500 g. But it is certain that nos 2, 3 and 4 are mnas since they bear a unit mark (M) or their masses correspond to their units (509 g, 502.9 g, 501.4 g, respectively). The masses of the other mnas at hand are also near to these values (Fig. A: 505 g10; Fig. B: 496.80 g11; Fig. C: 489.74 g12and Louvre example, 480 g13). Thus, from the extent examples, it is proven that the Lysimachean mna was about 500 g. For example, while a dimnaion in an auction14 is 1000 g (Fig. D), another dimnaion in the National Archaeological Museum in Sofia15 is 897 g (Fig. E). In fact, the original mass of the Sofia weight was about 990 g since it has a loss of mass as Vassilev, the author, stated. Vassilev read the inscription on the weight in Sofia as Λ(?)YΣMI. But, first, I have to state that the letters Λ and Y on the top left and right corners are clear; thus, it is unnecessary to give the lambda with a question mark. But the main problem is below the lion. There is no M there as Vassilev said. It reads either ΣI-ΔI or Σ-Δ-I. There are only two formulas on the Lysimachean weights, on which generally ethnic or unit mark occurs: either a letter on each corner, i.e. Λ-Y-Σ-I, or only Λ-Y on the top left and right corner16. If there is a unit mark, its place is in the field below the lion’s belly or between the two letters on the bottom left and right corners. There is a long relief on the bottom left corner of the Sofia weight (to the right of sigma), if it is not a deformation, it may be an iota. If so, on this corner, we may expect the EI as a continuation of the Λ-Y on the top corners. The ΔI after EI stands for the dimnaion. But, on the other hand, if the relief near the sigma on the bottom left corner is not an iota, i.e. if it is only a deformation on the piece, then the common formula will be the case, that is Λ-Y-Σ-I and a Δ which stands for a dimnaion. In any case, there have been no M on the Sofia weight as Vassilev had stated. Another point to be emphasized on the dimnaion and mna units of Lysimachea is that the lion is depicted as a full figure, not a protome. Because lion is depicted as a protome only on the fractions. The ‘one and a half mna? which was misattributed to Smyrna by Lang17 (Fig. F) bears a full lion figure18.
PL. 2
A. CPAI Turkey 2: 21; B. CPAI Turkey 3: 2; C. CPAI Turkey 2: 22; D. Gorny & Mosch, 175: 323; E. Vassilev 1988: 1; F. Lang 1968: no. 3; G. Gorny & Mosch, 169: 448; H. Tekin 2013b: 4.; I. Gorny & Mosch, 175: 327; J. Çanakkale Museum (6110); K. CNG 258: 20; L. CNG 217: 20; M. Efes Museum (56.5.10); N. Tekin 2013b: 5
Pl. 3
O. CPAI Turkey 2, 23; P. CPAI Turkey 2, 24; R. CPAI Turkey 3, 3
- 19 Gorny & Mosch, 169: 448.
- 20 Tekin 2014: 4.
- 21 Gorny & Mosch, 175: 327.
- 22 Pernice 1904: 45, no 7.
- 23 There is an inscription on the weight punched later; it reads MA-Γ or MA-Γ-I.
- 24 On the obverse of a weight in Çanakkale Museum (inv. no 6110) there is an animal resembling a seate (...)
- 25 CNG 258: 20.
- 26 CNG 217: 20.
- 27 Efes Museum, inv. no 56.5.10.
23In the catalogue above there are five hemimnaion weights (nos 5-9). Their masses are 248.2 g (no 5), 248 g (no 6) 241.2 g (no 7), 232.5 (no 8) and 227.3 g (no 9), respectively. While the first three indicate a mna of 490/500 g; the last two indicate a mna of 455/465 g. The hemimnaion unit on the Lysimachean weights is clear not only from their masses, but also from the letter H below the belly of the lion, which stands for hemimnaion. The hemimnaion units of Lysimachea are also known from other collections (Fig. G: 249 g19; Fig. H: 246.43 g20; Fig. I: 207.89 g21and Berlin example, 246.30 g22). It is characteristic that the lion is depicted as protome instead of full- figured on the hemimnaion units. But, as unusual, the lion on Fig. G, occurs full-figured. However, it is not possible to be sure that this is the case for the bronze weights since all the other weights are of lead23. In fact, another interesting point for the lion is its iconography. The lion on the Lysimachean weights is in the jumping position, either it is depicted full-figured or as protome24; but the lion on this bronze weight is similar to that depicted on the Cardian coinage: lion crouching left, breaking a spear held in its mouth (Fig. K)25. This shows us that the lion type on the Cardian coins was copied exactly on the Lysimachean weights. We know that the people of Cardia had been transferred to the newly founded Lysimachea after it was destroyed by Lysimachus. Thereafter, the Cardian coin types became the types of the Lysimachean coins and weights. The lion, which is looking back (nos 5-9 and 13), is also familiar from the coins of Cardia (Fig. L)26. It can be proposed easily that the lion type was so important for Lysimachus and Lysimachea since it was used commonly on their coins as well as on the weights. The lion continued to be used on both coins and weights of Lysimachea as a civic badge (episemon/parasemon) for a long period (Fig. M)27.
24No 10 should be a tritemorion since it bears a Γ (=3); if it is not a gamma but a deformed tau, this would not change its unit since the both letters correspond to the same unit. The lion on this weight is depicted as a protome, which is suitable for its unit.
- 28 Tekin 2014: 5.
- 29 CPAI Turkey 2: 23.
- 30 CPAI Turkey 2, 24.
- 31 CPAI Turkey 3, 3.
25No 11 (122.51 g), no 12 (120.86 g), no 13 (120.10 g), no 14 (118 g) and no 15 (113.35 g) are tetartons, i.e. 1/4 mnas, and their masses correspond to their units. Both on tetartons presented here and on the tetartons from the other collections (Fig. N28, O29, P30, R31), the lion is depicted as a protome again. Besides, while on the two examples (nos 11 and 13) there is no unit mark, on three examples (nos 12, 15, 14) there are TE and T, respectively, indicating tetarton. Similarly one of the two examples (Fig. N) bears T (tetarton), the other (Fig. O) bears TA (tartemorion). Lysimachean tetartons indicate that one mna is about 480 g although some have lower mass.
26The smallest unit in the present catalogue (no 16) is a hektemorion of 83.9 g. The lion is depicted as a protome like the previous fractions of mna. Although there is no unit mark on the weight as is common on the small units, its mass corresponds to a hektemorion (83.9 g x 6 = 503.4 g).
- 32 The last date for some Lysimachean weights published previously by the present author was given as (...)
27Lysimachean weights at hand indicate that the Lysimachean mna was about 500 g according to our metric calculations. The weights of Lysimachea, as mentioned above, date from between 309 B.C. when the city was founded by Lysimachus and the mid-2nd century B.C. (or a little later) when it was destroyed by the Thracians32.