| Savoca Numismatik GmbH & Co. KG > Online Auction 187 | Silver | Auction date: 10 December 2023 |
| Lot number: 6 Price realized: 340 EUR (Approx. 367 USD) Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees. | Show similar lots on CoinArchives Find similar lots in upcoming auctions on  |
| Lot description: Macedon. Amphipolis circa 167-149 BC. Under Roman Protectorate. Republican period. First Meris Tetradrachm AR 30 mm, 16,78 g Diademed and draped bust of Artemis right with bow and quiver over shoulder in centre of Macedonian shield / MAKEΔONΩN ΠPΩTHΣ, club; monogram above, two monograms below; all within oak wreath, thunderbolt to left. Very Fine McClean 3708; SNG Copenhagen 1314; HGC 3, 1103. The Macedonian shield, often associated with the ancient Macedonian army led by Alexander the Great, is known as the "hoplon" or "hoplite shield." Hoplites were heavily armed infantry soldiers in ancient Greece, and their shields played a crucial role in the phalanx formation, a tactical formation used in ancient Greek warfare. The Macedonian hoplon was typically round and made of wood, covered with a layer of bronze. It had a central grip called the "umbo," allowing the wielder to hold it securely in the center of the shield. The shield was relatively large, measuring about three feet in diameter. The outer edge of the shield was often reinforced with a metal rim, providing additional protection and structural integrity. What makes the Macedonian shield interesting is its role in the phalanx formation. In a phalanx, soldiers would stand in a tight, overlapping formation, each holding their shield to cover not only themselves but also the right side of the person next to them. This created a wall of shields that presented a formidable barrier to the enemy. The soldiers in the phalanx would advance together, making it a powerful and disciplined military tactic. The Macedonian phalanx, under the leadership of Alexander the Great, played a crucial role in the conquests of the Macedonian Empire. The shield was not only a piece of defensive equipment but also an essential element in the coordination and effectiveness of the phalanx on the battlefield. Starting price: 200 EUR |  |
