Bronze coin struck by the Bruttium (the Brettii) between 211 and 208 BC, belonging to issues produced during the Second Punic War, when southern Italian communities were deeply affected by the conflict between Rome and Carthage. The coinage of the Brettii provides important evidence of their political autonomy and military involvement during this turbulent period.
The obverse features a right-facing head of Zeus wearing a laurel wreath. Zeus, as the supreme deity of the Greek pantheon, symbolized authority, power, and divine protection, reinforcing the prestige of the issuing authority.
The reverse depicts a nude warrior advancing right, holding a spear and shield, with the legend BPETTIΩN and a bucranium in the right field. The warrior emphasizes the martial character of the Brettian people, while the bucranium (ox skull) refers to sacrificial and religious symbolism, often associated with ritual practices.
The legend BPETTIΩN directly identifies the Brettii and asserts their political identity. Coins of this type are important evidence of local Italic coinage during a time of significant political and military upheaval.
Greece
Bruttium, Bretti, AE 211-208 BC
Obverse: laureate head of Zeus right
Reverse: nude warrior advancing right, holding spear and shield, bukranion in right field
BPETTIΩN
Diameter 21 mm, weight 7.3 g
