Civilization: Phoenicia
Ruler:
Mint: Arados
Year: 380 - 351 BC
Composition: Silver
Denomination: 1/12 Shekel
Diameter: 9.0mm
Weight: 0.61g
Reference: SNG Copenhagen 19-22; Traité II 844-845, pl. CXVI, 29-31; Betlyon 13; HGC 10

Obverse
Laureate and bearded head of marine deity (Ba'al Arwad) to right.

Reverse
Phoenician pentekonter sailing to right, over waves; Pataikos on prow, Phoenician letters 'mem' and 'aleph' above; all within dotted square.

In 380 BC, Phoenicia was a thriving network of independent city-states along the eastern Mediterranean coast, including cities like Tyre, Sidon, and Arados. Known for their expert seafaring and extensive trade, the Phoenicians connected distant regions, trading goods like textiles, glass, and cedarwood. Each city-state maintained its autonomy but shared a common language and pantheon, with deities like Melqart and Ba’al symbolizing protection and power over the seas. During this period, Phoenicia fell under Persian influence, paying tribute to the Achaemenid Empire while retaining considerable independence in local governance. This semi-autonomous status allowed the Phoenicians to expand their economic and cultural reach, establishing colonies as far as Carthage in North Africa. The era’s coins, such as those from Arados, reflect their rich maritime culture, religious devotion, and skilled craftsmanship, embodying a blend of local artistry and external influences from the Persian Empire.