Messana was founded by Greek colonists in the 8th century BC, and was originally called Zancle, from the Greek ζάγκλον meaning "scythe" because of the shape of its natural harbour.
In 288 BC the Mamertines seized the city by treachery, killing all the men and taking the women as their wives. The city became a base from which they ravaged the countryside, leading to a conflict with the expanding regional empire of Syracuse.
In 264 BC, the Mamertines petitioned the Roman Republic for an alliance, hoping for more reliable protection. At the end of the First Punic War it was a free city allied with Rome.
In 288 BC the Mamertines seized the city by treachery, killing all the men and taking the women as their wives. The city became a base from which they ravaged the countryside, leading to a conflict with the expanding regional empire of Syracuse.
In 264 BC, the Mamertines petitioned the Roman Republic for an alliance, hoping for more reliable protection. At the end of the First Punic War it was a free city allied with Rome.
Modern location: Messina, Sicily
(1)
Messana
An
AR
Tetradrachm
struck 450–446 BC
in
Messana
Obverse: Mule biga right, above Nike flying right to crown mules, laurel leaf & berry in exergue
Reverse: MESS—ANION (latter half retrograde) / Hare leaping right above sprig of three leaves
Diameter:
27 mm
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 17.19 g
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 17.19 g
No notes for this coin
Caltabiano 356