Sicily. Katane
405-402 BCE
AE 13.77mm 1.65g
Obverse: Head of the river god Amenanos left, ivy leaf behind
Reverse: Winged thunderbolt
SNG ANS 1272
ex Pegasi Auction 2018
Today, Catania is home to one of the two main airports in Sicily and is its second largest metropolitan area.
One of the most famous stories involving Katane is of the brothers Amphinomos and Anapias. When Etna erupted, they immediately placed their parents on their shoulders and ran for safety. The lava parted to allow them to pass and the tale became famous in ancient times, resulting in their depiction on coins and statues in the town.
The famed poets Ibykos and Stesichoros both lived in Katane.
Katane founded by settlers from Naxos
Katane renamed back to Katane
Athens forces entry into Katane. Alcibiades gives a speech to their assembly and they become allies.
Katane occupied by Dionysos I of Syracuse
Katane opens its gates to Pyrrhos and welcomes him
Katane taken by Rome in the First Punic War
Katane occupied by slaves in the First Servile War
Katane damaged by eruption of Mt Etna
Katane joins Sextus Pompey, who utilizes its harbor
Revolt by the gladiator Selurus in Katane