BITHYNIA. Prusa ad Olympum. Caracalla, 198-217. Diassarion (Bronze, 24 mm, 6.75 g, 7 h). [AYT K M] AYP ANTΩNINOC / [CЄ]ΒΑ Laureate head of Caracalla to right. Rev. ΠPOYCAЄΩN Ajax the Telamonian, nude but for helmet and balteus, falling on his sword; before, pile of stones; on ground line, shield. RG 102. RPC V.2 online ID 6799. McClean 7523. SNG von Aulock 873. Rare. Thick deposits and with faint cleaning scratches, otherwise, about very fine.



The Telamonian Ajax was one of the principal protagonists of the Trojan War. As the second-greatest Greek warrior after his cousin Achilles, Ajax fought valiantly to recover the hero’s body. However, in the dispute that followed, Achilles’ armor was awarded to the eloquent Odysseus instead of him. Deeply offended, Ajax fell into a rage that night and slaughtered a flock of sheep, mistaking them for Odysseus and Agamemnon. When he regained his senses, he found himself covered in their blood and, overcome with shame, chose to end his life. He fell upon the sword he had once received from Hector in an exchange of gifts. From his blood, a red flower is said to have sprung - its petals bearing the letters AI, both the beginning of his name and an ancient cry of lamentation.