Η εικονογραφία της Νίκης στους οπισθοτύπους των πρωτοβυζαντινών νομισμάτων
Part of : Εγνατία ; No.14, 2010, pages 73-90
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73-90
Parallel Title:
The iconography of Nike on the reverse types of the early byzantine coins
Section Title:
Αρχαιολογία
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Abstract:
The early byzantine numismatic iconography, following classical and late antiquity models, seems to prefer the depiction of Nike as the dominant theme of the reverse side. Its simple depiction as a youthful, winged figure is stable over the centuries, making it a distinct symbol of ancient athletic excellence and later on, of the Roman triumph, which was an essential virtue of the roman emperor. Through its long course, the adjustment and the evolution of this popular figure, according to the needs of each era, is accomplished with the interchange of its main symbols, such as the laurel wreath, the palm branch, the trophy, the shield, the chariot, the ship and the globus cruciger, elements that indicated its continuous adjustment within the context of each era. As a result, there are new iconographie types of Nike that aim to express specific historical circumstances or political purposefulness. A typical example of this procedure is the «theodossian» innovation in numismatic iconography in the late 4th century AD, when for the first time there was the connection between Christian symbols, such as Christogramma or Cross with the figure of Nike. Eventually, the dominating presence of Christianity within the borders of the Roman and Byzantine Empire condemns Nike to extinction in the same way as all the motives of ancient gods and goddesses were doomed to obliteration. However, the influence of Nike remained with a hint of syncretism as a vital source of the iconography of the Angel, which is the Christian equivalent motif, destined to occupy the position of Nike on the reverse side of gold solidus.
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