Ancient Greece
Pixodarus the Satrap: Navigating Great Power Conflict
July 20, 2024
The Persian satrapal (or provincial) issues could easily be mistaken for true Greek coins from the mainland – they feature Greek gods and goddesses, in many cases use the Greek language, and are struck on Greek denominational standards. The coins of the satraps of Asia Minor, particularly the issues of the southern province of Cilicia, are among the most beautiful ancient Greek coins, though they often do not get enough credit as such.
The Greek-style coins struck in the western provinces of the Persian Empire by the local governors constitute one of the most underrated areas of ancient numismatics. The Persian satrapal (or provincial) issues could easily be mistaken for true Greek coins from the mainland – they feature Greek gods and goddesses, in many cases use the Greek language, and are struck on Greek denominational standards. The coins of the satraps of Asia Minor, particularly the issues of the southern province of Cilicia, are among the most beautiful ancient Greek coins, though they often do not get enough credit as such.
Didrachm of Pixodarus with the iconic facing head of Apollo, struck at Halicarnassus. Pixodarus didrachms are some of the best value Greek coins of fine style (this example sold by Leu Numismatik for 2,800 CHF).
Little is known about many of the Persian governors who struck Greek-style coins in the fourth century BC. We are, however, fortunate to know a bit more about Pixodarus, an apparently cunning statesmen who recognized the power dynamics of his day and acted accordingly. He was the governor of Caria, a lucrative Achaemenid Persian province on the southwestern coast of Asia Minor, very close to the island of Rhodes. Its capital was at Halicarnassus, where one of Pixodarus predecessors, his brother Mausolus, had built the famous “Mausoleum” which was one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Ruling one of the Persian Empire’s westernmost satrapies on the Aegean coast, Pixodarus was mindful of the ascendant power of Macedon and offered the hand of his eldest daughter to the eldest son of the reigning Philip II – the disabled prince who would later rule Macedon as Philip III Arrhidaeus.
*Ethereal Beauty* Pixodarus, satrap of Persian Caria (r. 341-335 BC) Silver Didrachm – Apollo/Zeus – NGC AU & Fine Style
Persian Empire. Time of the Greek Classical Period. Pixodarus, satrap (governor) of Caria (r. 341-335 BC) AR (Silver) stater. Mint of Halicarnassus. Graded NGC AU 4/5 – 3/5, Fine Style by NGC; a coin of impressive beauty – the true pinnacle of Classical Greek style. Struck in high relief from dies of the highest sophistication.
But Philip II’s younger son, Alexander the Great, was insulted and attempted to court Pixodarus’ daughter himself. Philip recognized the dynastic danger of creating a squabble between his two sons and sabotaged the prospect of her marriage to either. A match with Pixodarus’ daughter may have helped Alexander’s claims to be a rightful Persian ruler, but the truth is it probably wouldn’t have mattered much. He was only a local governor and, though established in a strong provincial dynasty, he was not tied directly to the Achaemenid royal house. Pixodarus died in 335 BC, and Alexander invaded Persia the following year. When Alexander came across the Carian capital of Halicarnassus in 334, it was under the rule of Ada, Pixodarus’ sister. Ada surrendered the city to Alexander who retained her as governor, but the citadel held out with a small Persian garrison for two years. The modern site lies near the popular Turkish tourist town of Bodrum.