Maroneia was a prosperous Kikonian city on the coast, not far from the modern town of Maronia. It was traditionally founded by Maron, priest of Apollo at Ismaros and grandson of Dionysos.
The principal cult was devoted to the triad of Zeus, Dionysos, and Maron. A fine local coinage began in the 6th c. and continued until the union of Thrace with Macedonia.
The city was especially noted for its strong wine. It was said to possess the odor of nectar, and to be capable of mixture with twenty or more times its quantity with water.
In 200 BC it was taken by Philip V of Macedon, who vented his rage by slaughtering a great number of the city's inhabitants. The Roman Republic subsequently granted Maroneia to Attalus, King of Pergamon, but almost immediately revoked their gift and declared it a free city.
The principal cult was devoted to the triad of Zeus, Dionysos, and Maron. A fine local coinage began in the 6th c. and continued until the union of Thrace with Macedonia.
The city was especially noted for its strong wine. It was said to possess the odor of nectar, and to be capable of mixture with twenty or more times its quantity with water.
In 200 BC it was taken by Philip V of Macedon, who vented his rage by slaughtering a great number of the city's inhabitants. The Roman Republic subsequently granted Maroneia to Attalus, King of Pergamon, but almost immediately revoked their gift and declared it a free city.
Modern location: Maronia, Greece
(1)
Maroneia
Obverse: prancing horse right; (ΠNK)
Reverse: grape arbor in square MAPΩNITΩN (YΓ)
Diameter:
15.5 mm
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 3.67 g
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 3.67 g
No notes for this coin
BMC Thrace p. 129, 66; SGCV I 1636
(2)
Maroneia
Obverse: diademed head of Dionysos right; Zeus head countermark
Reverse: Asklepios standing half right, head left, holding serpent-entwined staff; MAPΩNITΩN / monogram
Diameter:
22.5 mm
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 12.8 g
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 12.8 g
No notes for this coin
Cf. Schönert-Geiss 1640-83.; Cf. SNG Copenhagen 635