Lydi, Nysa
Circa 69-96 CE
AE 15.5mm 4.60g
Obv: bust of Mên right, wearing Phrygian cap
Rev: ΝΥCΑ/ΕꞶΝ in two lines within wreath
Kurth, GRPC Lydia Vol. 3, 41 var. (legend in three lines)
Nysa was located on a mountain slope along the banks of the Maeander River, roughly halfway between Antioch and Tralles. It was supposedly founded by three brothers – Athymbros, Athymbrados, and Hydrelos, who moved from Sparta and founded three cities, all of which eventually combined to form Nysa.
The city is famous in mythology for being the birthplace and childhood home of Dionysos. It is also mentioned in the Iliad, under its ancient name of Athymbra. It was renamed to Nysa during the time of Antiochos I Soter, in honor of one of his wives. A number of scholars famed in antiquity were born there.
The library and odeion are still visible along with other ruins.