v49_0195 - PAPHLAGONIA - AMASTRIS Octochalque, (MB, Æ 29)

PAPHLAGONIA - AMASTRIS

(2nd - 1st century BC)

Amastris was founded in 300 BC near the site of Sesamos, not far from Cromna, in honor of the wife of Lysimachus, Amastris. She was the niece of Darius III Codoman, last king of the Persians, and previously the wife of Dionysius, tyrant of Heraclea Ponticus. She was assassinated in 289 BC by her sons. The city that bears his name became an important Black Sea port in the Hellenistic period. She had an important role during the Mithridatic Wars.