Civilization: Greek - Classical
Ruler:
Mint: Mytilene
Year: 440 - 400 BC
Composition: Bronze
Denomination: Æ9
Diameter: 8.9mm
Weight: 0.55g
Reference: Gitbud & Naumann 26, lot 161 type. Rare

Obverse
Female head right, with hair in bun

Reverse
Head of bull right within incuse square

Mytilene, the principal city of the island of Lesbos during the Classical period (c. 400 BCE), was a vibrant cultural, political, and economic hub in the Aegean. Known for its double harbors and strong fortifications, it was a center of maritime trade and a key player in the politics of the Delian League under Athenian dominance. Mytilene fostered a rich intellectual tradition, with ties to poets like Sappho and Alcaeus from earlier periods. The city exhibited sophisticated urban planning, with temples, theaters, and agorae that reflected its prosperity and Hellenic cultural values. It experienced shifts in autonomy during the Peloponnesian War, with moments of rebellion against Athenian control and subsequent harsh reprisals. Despite these conflicts, Mytilene remained a testament to the resilience and cultural achievements of Greek city-states.