The Boar Hunt of Androklos and Two Lead Weights from Ephesos

Abstract

The article discusses two lead weights whose handles bear a stamp depicting the boar-hunting scene of Androklos, the ktistes (founder) of Ephesos. One of the weights corresponds to four unciae, the other to two unciae. The scene of Androklos’ boar hunt appears only rarely on the handles of balance weights. It is also represented on Roman Imperial coins and tesserae of Ephesos. Although neither of the two weights bears a parasemon or ethnikon identifying them as Ephesian, the depiction of Androklos’ boar hunt on the handles clearly indicates that they were produced and used in Ephesos. Both weights date to the first half of the 3rd century AD.

Keywords

• Androklos / Androclus
• Ephesos / Ephesus
• boar hunt
• uncia
• Roman weights

References

1. Bernhard, M.-L. 1981. “Androklos.” LIMC I, 765-67.
2. Boersema, G., and B. Dalzell. 2021. Roman Lead Tesserae and Seals from the Tom Vossen Collection. Hasselt: Habo DaCosta.
3. Brélaz, C. 2021. “Surveiller le territoire des cités d’Asie Mineure aux époques hellénistique et impériale: aspects administratifs, financiers et fiscaux.” Gephyra 22:25-67.