Description
The Greek equivalent of BACCHUS; although a latecomer to the ranks of the Twelves Olympian Gods, he had a huge and complex mythology built around him. Originally a wine god from Thrace, northern Greece, he soon found wide acceptance. He was the son of Zeus by the nymph SEMELE. HERA, in her jealousy, brought about the death of Semele but Zeus was able to save the six-month-old unborn child to be born again from his thigh. To keep him out of harm’s (Hera’s) way, Dionysus was brought up by his aunt Ino and the nymphs of Nysa, but Hera learned of this and in vengeance sent Ino mad, while the nymph became the constellation Hyades.
Silver Greek tetradram, Head of young Dionysus right. Wreathed with ivy and with band across forehead. Back, Dionysus, naked, standing left, holding grapes and two narthex wands: two monograms field, to left and right. 14K frame and bail
