Some Remarks on the Chronology of the First Coins of Knossos, Crete

Year 2019, Issue: 22, 145 - 165, 11.10.2019

Claudia Devoto

Abstract

The present study deals with the first coins issued
by Knossos and their current chronology,
which cannot be based on firm evidence due
to the absence of stratigraphical data to rely on.
According to the current chronology, Gortyn
and Phaistos were the first Cretan poleis to mint
coins (ca. 450 BC), followed by Knossos (after
425 BC). This dating shows a long delay
as compared to the majority of Greek poleis,
and this suggests reconsideration of the subject.
Three elements seem to be relevant to
this purpose: the now ascertained participation
of some Cretan poleis in the north–south
routes between the Peloponnese and North
Africa; the epigraphical evidence suggesting
the use of coinage in Crete at least at the end
of the 6th century BC; and iconographical and
stylistic analysis of Knossian first issues. In the
light of the analysis proposed, even if it is not
yet possible to assert with certainty the date of
Knossos’ first issues, it is likely that Knossos
began striking coins before 425 BC.

Keywords

Knossos, Crete, Cretan coinage, Minotaur, Labyrinth

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