Circa 400 BCE
AR Hemiobol 7 mm, 0.25 g, 6 h
Head of nymph to left, wearing sphendone.
Rev. NY Grape bunch on vine.
HGC 7, 14. MacDonald 87
Nymphaion was founded between 550 BCE and 500 BCE by colonists from Samos and grew rich from the cereal trade. Yup. My kids were recently stunned when I told them that the “family size” cereal boxes are actually the “normal” boxes from my childhood. They’ve been continuously making boxes smaller and more expensive and it’s all Nymphaion’s fault.
In 444 BCE, Athens installled a military base here, which must have been one of their most remote bases. It was later annexed by the Bosporan kingdom under neighboring Pantikapaion.
The ruins of the city remain and show signs of being very refined. Clearly when the city was well off, they showed it.
Approximate foundation of Nymphaion by settlers from Miletos.
Athens makes Nymphaion its military base in the region.
Phanagoria, Nymphaion, Chersonesos, and Theodosia revolt against Mithridates VI.