In the late 4th and early 3rd centuries BC, the city of Entella in western Sicily was a hotbed of political and military activity. The city was a frequent battleground in the ongoing wars between the Greek colonies of Sicily and the Carthaginian Empire, which had established a foothold on the island.
During this time, the people of Entella issued their own coins, including the famous Siculo-Punic Tetradrachm. This silver coin features the head of the goddess Tanit, a prominent figure in the Carthaginian pantheon, on the obverse, and a prancing horse on the reverse.
The story behind this coin is one of resistance and defiance. Entella was a Greek city, but it had been conquered by the Carthaginians and was now under their control. The people of Entella, however, refused to submit to Carthaginian rule and fought back against their oppressors.
In issuing their own coinage, the people of Entella were making a bold statement of independence and defiance. By including the image of Tanit, they were acknowledging the power and influence of the Carthaginians, but they were also asserting their own identity and culture.
The Siculo-Punic Tetradrachm is a testament to the resilience and determination of the people of Entella in the face of adversity. Today, it is a highly sought-after coin by collectors and historians alike, not just for its artistic and historical value, but for the story it tells of a people fighting for their freedom and their way of life.