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The abduction of Persephone 

On the reverse of a bronze coin dated to the time of the Roman emperor Trajan (98-117 A.D.), the abduction of Persephone by Hades is depicted. Hades has already mounted Persephone on his quadriga (a chariot led by four horses), and with the help of the god Hermes, who, being a Nymphagogos (leader of the bride), precedes the chariot, he drives her to the Underworld. She tries in vain to escape, extending her right hand in an attempt to call for help. Below the scene, there are scattered poppies, which Persephone collected before her abduction, an overturned kalathos (basket), and ears of wheat.

The emperor Trajan is depicted on the obverse. There is also the Greek inscription ΑΥΤ ΤΡΑΙΑΝ ϹƐΒ ΓƐΡΜ ΔΑΚΙΚ, which stands for the Latin "Imperator Traianus Augustus Germanicus Dacicus".


Caption Bronze coin of Alexandreia with the abduction of Persephone by Hades

Mythic people Hermes (Deity), Hades (Deity) ,Persephone (Goddess)

Type Coin

Artist/Creator mint of Alexandria (Province of Egypt)

Origin Egypt

Current position British Museum, London

Index number CR.5378

Dating 109-110 AD

Notes

RPC III, 4394 (ox.ac.uk)

British Museum | coin CR.5378

νυμφαγωγός - Ancient Greek (LSJ)

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