Kyrene, Magas
Ptolemaic governor, c. 300-282/75 BC
AR Didrachm 20mm, 7.30g, 12h
Head of Karneios r. R/ Silphion plant; ZE monogram to upper l., crab to upper r., KY-PA across lower field.
BMC 256; cf. SNG Copenhagen 1243

Kyrene was an independent kingdom under Magas, who declared himself king in 276 BCE and kept it so until his death. After his death, the throne was given to Demetrios the Fair, who was the youngest son of Demetrios Poliorketes, as a dowry for marrying his daughter, Berenike II.

Demetrios then began an affair with Apama, the widow of Magas. When Berenike II found out, she killed him and fled to Egypt, where she married Ptolemy III.

330 BCE

Kleopatra is listed as receiving grain from Kyrene.