Hercules – the Mythical Founder of Perinthus

Authors : Kostadin Rabadjiev

Pages : 15-22

Doi:10.26650/gaad.2023002

View : 28 | Download : 3

Publication Date : 2023-04-28

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :The paper concerns Hercules as the mythical founder of Perinthus in the legend told by Ammianus. His image appears on the obverse of pseudoautonomous coinage popular since but not before the mid-1st century AD, and he was announced as ΚΤΙΣΤΗΣ [the builder] in the time of the Severan dynasty. Thus, the legend proved to be from Roman times, probably after the town had been proclaimed the provincial capital of Thracia as a convincing way to propagate its old history. Hercules was a well-known colonizer on the Thracian littoral, and his appearance on Perinthian coins seems plausible. Another head of a young hero, maybe the eponymous Perinthus himself, was presented on the reverse of provincial coinage in the time of Antoninus Pius, as well as on the obverse of pseudo-autonomous coins from the time of the Severan dynasty at the end of the 2nd and beginning of the 3rd century, while Hercules and Perintos were presented in full height on the reverse of a medallion of Alexander Severus. As such, the time of Severi appears to be the probable date for the common legend of the two heroes. Later on, the town was renamed Heraclea, probably in 286 AD in accordance with the administrative reforms of Diocletian.
Keywords : Hercules, Perinthus, mythical founder, Roman Thrace, Thracian coinage

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