Sicily, Kainon
Circa 340-330 BCE
AE 22.5mm 7.43g
Obv: griffin springing left, cicada below to left.
Rev: horse prancing left, star with eight rays above; [KAINON in exergue].
Calciati 9; SNG Copenhagen 134; BMC 8; SNG ANS 1175-1178
These (Kainon) issues are not with certainty from Alaisa, but have traditionally been assigned there. Others have stated they’re from some unknown mercenary mint, but I will leave mine assigned to Alaisa unless I see strong information otherwise.
Alaisa was founded roughly in 403 BCE, after Dionysos of Syracuse gave the northern part of his territory to mercenaries, who built Alaisa there. It was one of the first cities to submit to the Romans and maintained their loyalty. For this reason, the city was granted significant benefits by Rome and rose to be a wealthy city. By the time of Augustus, it wasn’t nearly as prominent, and over time was depopulated.
Its ruins have been found and excavations are ongoing.
Dionysos of Syracuse gives the northern part of his territory to mercenaries, who found Alaisa there
C. Claudius Pulcher sent to Alaisa to regulate their laws
Cicero visits Alaisa for the prosecution of Verres