Statement of Significance for Tetradrachm of Lysimachus of Thrace c. 297/2282/1 BCE - Research Paper Example

In this case the main focus is on Greek’s cultural heritage and specifically the paper Tetradrachm of Lysimachus of Thrace c. 297/2–282/1 BCE4. The prominent featuring of Alexander the Great’s portrait on the coins became standard in the Hellenistic period. The style of these portraits is of great significance due to the fact that they were usually extraordinary lifelike and was made by highly skilled artists5. In the history of coinage and during Hellenistic period, Tetradrachm of Lysimachus of Thrace stands out to be one of the greatest coins that ever existed and still represent the cultural heritage of Greek.

Lysimachus was a Macedonian officer and diadochus of Alexander the great who became a basileus in 306 BC, where he ruled Thrace, Macedon and Asian Minor. He was one of Alexander the Great’s personal bodyguards6. After the death of Alexander the Great, Lysimachus became the ruler of Thrace and was eventually killed by another successor of Alexander, Seleucus. Tetradrachm of Lysimachus of Thrace c. 297/2–282/1 BCE depicts a lifetime portrait of Alexander the Great and the reverse has Athena (Goddess of War) holding Nike (the Goddess of Victory).

Closer analysis of the coin will make you understand what message was Lysimachus was sending to his people and more importantly to the enemies. The coin is impressive in many regards and is rare in any condition7. Thrace had a heritage matched that could only be matched by Mycenaeans. The people of Thrace were allied to Troy during the Trojan War, although Homeric Thrace was vaguely defined. Thracian unification was not achieved until the 5th C and records are very sparse until that time. Upon the death of Alexander the Great, Lysimachus was appointed to help control Thrace.

Lysimachus supported the various coalitions that included Seleukos, Ptolemy and Kassandros against the growing power of Antigonous Monophthalmos8. As compared to other generals, Lysimachus