Tetradrachm from Roman-protected Amphipolis in Macedonia

This coin was struck in Macedonia when the kingdom was under Roman protection before it became an official province in 146 BCE. On its front face is a Macedonian shield with the head of Artemis in profile in the middle. On the back, inside a wreath of oak leaves, there is the text MAKEΔONΩN ΠPΩTHΣ with a wooden club in between. The word ΠPΩTHΣ refers to the division of territories by the Romans, in which Macedonia was divided into four parts, with Amphipolis being the first. Artemis was an important god for the Macedonians, since hunting was a popular activity and part of Macedonian culture. In Macedonia, Artemis was the patron goddess of the transition of young girls to adulthood, in the same way as Heracles Kynagidas was for young boys.