Assos was founded from 1000 to 900 BC by Aeolian colonists from Lesbos, more specifically from Methymna. The settlers built a Doric Temple to Athena on top of a crag in 530 BC.
Hermias of Atarneus, a student of Plato, ruled Assos, the Troad and Lesbos for a period of time, under which the city experienced its greatest prosperity.
He encouraged philosophers to move to the city. In 348 BC, Aristotle came here and married King Hermeias's niece, Pythia, before leaving for Lesbos three years later in 345 BC. This 'golden period' of Assos ended when the Persians arrived, and subsequently tortured Hermias to death.
After the Roman conquest, Assos shrunk to a small village, which it has remained ever since.
Hermias of Atarneus, a student of Plato, ruled Assos, the Troad and Lesbos for a period of time, under which the city experienced its greatest prosperity.
He encouraged philosophers to move to the city. In 348 BC, Aristotle came here and married King Hermeias's niece, Pythia, before leaving for Lesbos three years later in 345 BC. This 'golden period' of Assos ended when the Persians arrived, and subsequently tortured Hermias to death.
After the Roman conquest, Assos shrunk to a small village, which it has remained ever since.
Modern location: Behram, Turkey
(1)
Assos
Obverse: Helmeted head of Athena right
Reverse: ΑΣΣΙ, Griffin seated left.
Diameter:
17 mm
Die Orientation: 0 H
Weight: 3.54 g
Die Orientation: 0 H
Weight: 3.54 g
No notes for this coin
SNG München 157
