Tetrobol from Massalia

The coin was struck in the Greek colony of Massalia, present-day Marseilles. The front face features the head of Artemis in profile, and the back face shows a lion and the text ΜΑΣΣΑ.

According to Strabo, an ancient Greek geographer and historian, the Phoenicians, who founded the city, had been instructed by the oracle to take Artemis of Ephesus as a guide before leaving for their journey. When they arrived, they built a temple for Artemis, and the goddess became the patron of the city. The temple became one of the most famous places of worship dedicated to Artemis in the ancient world. Because of this connection, Artemis also features in the city’s coins. The lion, on the other hand, may be related to the role of Artemis as the goddess of hunting and wild animals. Artemis has also been depicted in art with lions.