2026-01-27 Tue

Ares, one of the Twelve Olympians, is the Greek god of war and courage, renowned as the son of #Zeus and Hera. He represents the physical valor essential for Success in warfare but is also characterized by Brutality and bloodlust, distinguishing him from his sister Athena, who embodies Military strategy and leadership. Due to his quick temper, aggressiveness, and insatiable desire for conflict, Ares was regarded as one of the least popular Olympian deities. In Roman tradition, he is known as Mars, serving as a protector of the Roman people and state.

Ares is celebrated in Greek culture for his Beauty and courage, traits that won him the Affection of Aphrodite. Together, they had two children Harmonia and Eros. During the Trojan War, Aphrodite convinced Ares to support the Trojans, yet despite his involvement, they faced defeat while Athena aided the Greeks to victory.

In ancient Greek art, Ares is typically portrayed either as a mature, bearded warrior equipped for battle or as a youthful figure, often depicted nude and without a beard. He is frequently seen adorned in full armor and a helmet, wielding a shield and spear. His imagery began to appear on coins starting in the 5th Century BCE.

The COIN depicted on this post is a 412 BCE Electrum Hekte from Mytilene, the ancient capital of Lesbos Island in Greece. Weighing 2.59 grams, it features a right-facing bearded head of Ares, donned with a crested Attic helmet on the obverse. The reverse showcases a bust of an Amazon, also facing right, within an incuse square. In ancient Greek religion, Amazons were female Warriors and hunters, renowned for their physical prowess, archery, equestrian skills, and combat abilities.

Notably, Ares was recognized as the primary god of the Amazons. According to Dionysius Scytobrachion, a Hellenistic Greek mythographer, the city of Mytilene was founded by an Amazon of the same name.