PAMPHYLIA. Aspendos.(Circa 380/75-330/25 BC).Stater.

Obv : Two wrestlers grappling; ΑΦ between.

Rev : EΣTFEΔIIYΣ.
Slinger in throwing stance right; triskeles to right; all within pelleted square border.
Tekin Series 4; SNG BN 83.

Condition : The coin is in good condition with a light silver patina. The details are sharp, and the figures on both sides are well-preserved, showing minimal wear. The patina gives it a clean, bright appearance.Good very fine.

Material : Silver.
Axis : 12h

Weight : 10.74 gr
Diameter : 23 mm

The triskeles or triskelion, symbol used by Aspendos on its coinage reveals much about the city's cultural and economic identity during the Classical and Hellenistic periods in ancient Pamphylia. The triskeles a three-legged motif radiating from a central point, appears on the reverse of Aspendian silver staters and conveys a sense of motion and dynamism, reflecting the city’s active participation in trade, athletics, and broader Mediterranean culture.The triskeles symbol is often associated with concepts of motion, balance, and continual movement, values that resonated strongly in ancient Greek society. Its appearance on the coinage of Aspendos likely signified the city's agility in adapting to the economic and political currents of the time. As a major grain trading hub, Aspendos was engaged in continuous exchange with other cities and cultures, and the triskeles may have symbolized the city's role in these dynamic trade networks. Moreover, the symbol's association with athletics and physical prowess aligned with the city's pride in its sporting traditions, as represented by other imagery on the coins, such as wrestlers in competition.The city of Aspendos was well-known for its athletic competitions, and the triskeles likely embodied both physical strength and civic pride. The three bent legs, radiating outward, suggest motion and progress, values celebrated in Greek athletic festivals, which emphasized competition, skill, and excellence. The depiction of wrestlers on the obverse of the coins reinforces this connection to athleticism, suggesting that Aspendos valued the ideals of strength, balance, and determination—qualities mirrored in both the triskeles and the city’s athletes.

The triskeles was not unique to Aspendos but was a widely recognized symbol in the Mediterranean world, seen in places like Sicily and the Isle of Man. By using this symbol, Aspendos positioned itself within a larger cultural framework, reflecting its interaction with other cities and regions. The adoption of the triskeles may have been a way for Aspendos to align itself with broader Mediterranean values of unity, strength, and continuity while asserting its own local identity within this shared symbolism.Beyond athletics and economics, the triskeles also held deeper philosophical connotations. In many cultures, it represented cycles of time, natural rhythms, and cosmic balance, such as the rotation of the seasons or the cyclical nature of life and death. For Aspendos, this could have symbolized the city’s resilience in the face of changing fortunes, whether in trade, politics, or warfare. The city’s strategic location along major trade routes meant that its prosperity was closely tied to these cycles of economic activity, and the triskeles could have been a representation of its enduring vitality.The triskeles on Aspendos coinage is much more than a decorative element; it is a rich symbol of the city’s values, identity, and place in the ancient world. Through this symbol, Aspendos conveyed its strength, adaptability, and connections to both local traditions and broader Mediterranean culture. The triskeles encapsulated the city’s dynamic nature, reflecting not only its athletic prowess but also its resilience and prosperity as a major player in the economic and cultural currents of the time. By using this ancient symbol, Aspendos projected an image of perpetual motion and influence, embodying the spirit of a thriving city-state in Pamphylia.