Kingdom of Elymais (147 BC-221 AD) and Coins

 

Elymais, was an ancient vassal state located east of the lower Tigris River and usually considered part of the larger district of Susiana. It incorporated much of the area of the biblical region of Elam, approximately equivalent to the modern region of Khuzestan Iran. 

                       

Elymais, Phraates, early 2nd century AD, coin

Though the capital city of Susa belonged to Elymais, it seems to have been administered by a Persian satrap. the heart of the kingdom centered near the mountains of Luristan near modern Behbehan and Izeh, where the local dynasty left rock reliefs and inscriptions in a form of Aramaic.

                       

Location of Elymais and Iran.

  

Most of the population probably descended from the ancient Elamites, who once controlled that area. The dynasty seems to have been founded by Kamnaskires (147 BC), known from coins dated 81 BC. The kingdom, though seldom mentioned, survived until its extinction by the Sasanian king Ardashir (reigned AD 224-241). The Elymaeans were reputed to be skilled archers.

                       

The Ziggurat of Choqa Zanbil in Khuzestan.

The coins of Elymais depicted a king. These coins were based on Greek standards of debased Drachms and Tetradrachms. The royal picture is generally based on Parthian coinage, usually with an anchor with a star in crescent figure. The reverse has a figure or bust of Artemis with text around it, an eagle, or often only elongated dots.                        

                       

Elymais, Kamnaskires, 62-55 BC, Drachm, Obverse: Bust left, Reverse: Zeus seated left, holding Nike and sceptre, G-monogram in inner field.

                        

Elymais, Orodes I, Drachm, weight 3.0 gm, Obverse: Helmeted draped bust left, holding sceptre, dot in crescent above an inverted anchor to right, Reverse: Garbled legend, draped bust of Artemis right wearing kalathos.                 

                         

Elymais, Praates, Drachm, early 2nd century AD, weight 3.8 gm, Obverse: bearded head left, wearing tiara, dot in crescent above, an inverted anchor to right, Reverse: Four corners or palm branches with dashes.

                         

Elymais, Kamnaskires-Orodes, Drachm, mid 2nd century AD, weight 3.8 gm, Obverse: bearded head facing, wearing tiara, dot in crescent above, inverted anchor to right, reverse: seven dashes in an irregular pattern.

                          

Elymais, late 1st century BC-early 1st century AD, Tetradrachm, weight 15.9 gm, Obverse: bust left, behind four-pointed star in crescent above dot and anchor symbol, Reverse: bust left, degraded legend.               

                       

Elymais, Phraates, early/mid 2nd century AD, Tetradrachm, weight 14.4 gm, Obverse: Phraates in Aramaic in two lines to left, bust to left, wearing tiara, decorated with pellet in crescent to right, pellet in crescent above anchor with two crossbars, Reverse: X and field of parallel dashes.

Kingdom of Elymais

Coins of Elymais