Argolis, Argos
Septimius Severus, 193-211 CE
Bronze, 21.5mm, 4.07g, 2h
[CE]Π CEYH [ΠΕΡ ΚΑΙ CΕΒ] Laureate head of Septimius Severus to right.
Rev: Α-ΡΓΕΙΩΝ Demeter standing to right, holding grain ears and poppies in both hands.
BCD Peloponnesos 1212.4. NCP p. 38, 17
Pausanias wrote concerning Argos:
“Just opposite the tomb of the women is a sanctuary of Demeter surnamed Pelasgia (because Pelasgos, the son of Triopas, built it, and not far from the temple is Pelasgos’ tomb). A temple of Demeter surnamed Myosin. Pyrrhos’ bones lie in the temple of Demeter.”
Pyrrhos was the famed diadochi general, whose forces were defeated at Argos and who was killed when an elderly woman dropped a brick on him.
Today, it appears that the modern town was built over the ancient city, and thus I do not believe the temple’s ruins have been found.
Pelasgos was the eighth mythological king of Argos, his father Triopas being the seventh. Little is known about him outside of Pausanias.