Queen of Bosporos, Dynamis
Circa 21/0 BCE – 7/8 CE
Æ 3 Units 20mm, 5.73g, 12h
Lion crouching right; star above; all within laurel wreath /
Wreath and palm; to right, monogram and Γ (mark of value)
Anokhin 1355; MacDonald 244; HGC 7, –
Dynamis is believed to be the first woman to rule the Bosporan Kingdom alone. Similar to many women of her time, she was part of dynastic struggles before ruling herself. Her first husband was Asander, who was installed by Pharnakes II of Parthia. Soon after Pharnakes departed to attack Roman territories, Asander revolted with the goal of currying favor with the Romans, to whom he would submit but be allowed to remain king. Pharnakes himself was defeated by Julius Caesar. He then retreated to face Asander, who killed him in battle. Asander them declared himself king and married Dynamis to cement his rule.
However, Julius Caesar was none to pleased about Asander killing a king he’d made peace with. He therefore gave the title of king to Mithridates I of Pergamon, who overthrew Asander and took over the Bosporan Kingdom. Asander and Dynamis fled to the protection of her mother’s tribe.
Asander eventually returned and reclaimed the Bosporan kingdom, either by defeating Mithridates I or by being installed there by Augustus.
After Asander’s death, Dynamis became regent and married someone named Scribonius. It has been conjectured that Dynamis actually ruled alone after his death, but eventually the marriage was setup to limit her power. He failed the “king test” and was overthrown, after which she married Polemo I. After he death of Polemo, it appears that Dynamis ruled alone, though that has been debated.
Inscriptions remain of dedications by her to Augustus, indicating that the two had a friendly relationship and she may have even traveled to Rome.