I'm leaving, but where to?
Tarsian Coins
c. 164–27 BC
Bronze
Archaeological Museum of the University of Münster, Inv. Nos. M 2913, M 1323
In Tarsus, different traditions and influences converge. This is also reflected on the coins of the city. They depict the locally significant god Sandan (1) as well as the Greek god Zeus (2).
The roots of Sandan are neither Greek nor Roman. They point to eastern influences.
One coin (1) depicts a shrine of Sandan on its reverse. A cult image of the god stands upon a pedestal adorned with garlands. To the right, the city name [Τ]ΑΡΣΕΩΝ / Tarsus is inscribed. The reverse shows a goddess wearing a mural crown—the city’s Tyche (personifying the city as a goddess).
Another coin (2) depicts the Greek god Zeus. Zeus was the foremost of the twelve Olympian gods (the gods' abode). He is shown seated, holding a figure of Nike, the goddess of victory, in his right hand. His left hand grasps a scepter.
Here, too, the city name ΤΑΡΣΕΩΝ / Tarsus appears. The reverse depicts a club within an oak wreath.
Quote from Strabo:
"So strong is the zeal for philosophy and general education among the people here that they surpass Athens, Alexandria, and any other place one might name where schools of philosophy and lectures exist." (Strabo, *Geographica*, Book XIV, Chapter 5, § 13)
