Kyme (Amazon Legend) - Aegean Sea (Present Day Turkey) - Greek Bronze - Circa 250-190 BCE (Before Common Era)

Denomination: AE Bronze

Date: 250-190 BCE

Weight: 6.69 grams

Mount: Sterling Silver bezel on Leather band

Mint: Kyme, Aeolis.

Description: Obverse: Head of the Amazon facing right. Reverse: KY, horse standing right, front left leg raised, one-handled drinking cup in right field ΔIOΔ ΡOΣ below.

History: In Greek mythology, the Amazons were a race of woman warriors. The Amazons have become associated with many historical people throughout the Roman Empire period and Late Antiquity. Amazons were said to have founded the cities and temples of Smyrna, Sinope, Cyme, Gryne, Ephesus, Pitania, Magnesia, Clete, Pygela, Latoreria and Amastris; according to legend, the Amazons also invented the cavalry. Kyme's image survives on ancient coins from the Aeolian city of Kyme in Asia Minor that was named after her. Cyme or Cuma (κύμα) in Greek language means wave.

Kyme - one of the oldest and noblest of the Aeolian cities was probably a colony of Kyme in Euboea, though according to tradition it was founded by the Amazon Kyme. Its inhabitants were mainly agricultural, and averse to seafaring. The Aeolians regarded Kyme as the largest and most important of their twelve cities, which were located on the coastline of Asia Minor (modern day Turkey). As a result of their direct access to the sea, unlike most non-landlocked settlements of the ancient world, trade is believed to have prospered. Kyme is believed to be the source of the Cumae alphabet. Kyme struggled to be free of Persian domination but was only intermittently successful. Later it was a city of the Seleucids and ultimately of Rome.

Advantages: This pendant is completely unisex and could appeal to anyone from a student to a history buff, to people that love antiques, to anyone who appreciates beauty and historic events. This pendant makes for a great conversation piece as well as meaningful gift.