Arabia, Bostra
Trajan 98-117 CE
Struck 112-114 CE
Tridrachm AR 24mm, 9,47g
ΑΥΤΟΚΡ ΚΑΙС ΝЄΡ ΤΡΑΙΑΝΟС СЄΒ ΓЄΡΜ ΔΑΚ Laureate head of Trajan to right, with slight drapery on his left shoulder.
Rev. ΔΗΜΑΡΧ ЄΞ ΥΠΑΤO ς Cult image of Artemis Pergaia within distyle temple on podium of four steps; in pediment, eagle standing left with wings open, head to right.
Ganschow X15b. RPC III 4069. SNG Copenhagen 206 (‘Caesarea’)
The cult image of Artemis at Perge was celebrated on coinage not just of Perge. It is believed to have incorporated a non-human shaped stone, that according to legend was tossed from the sky for her followers to worship.
The cult of the goddess far precedes Hellenistic times, and she was originally known as a separate deity called Wanassa Preiia in the Hittite language, which meant “Great Goddess”. Other images show the goddess wearing a tall headdress called a polos that was adorned with sphinxes and divine busts, with that framed by Acanthus leaves.
Typical to the Greeks, as the area Hellenized the goddess became known as a form of Artemis, and over time it’s believed her depiction changed to more common forms – such as Artemis and the hunt.
Besides corns, a relief of her survives in the theater at Perge.