Stater from Thebes (Boeotia)

As the god of intoxication, wine, and theater, Dionysus stands for wantonness and disinhibition. Through his cultic worship, these thoroughly human characteristics were given a place in ancient Greek society. Therefore, the depiction of the god, as on this stater from the Boeotian polis of Thebes from the period 430 to 395 BC, was intended to capture his naturalistic and libidinous nature: In the Archaic period, and still in the Classical era, he was shown with a wild beard and curly hair, so that every strand of hair is discernible on this beautiful coin. The wreath of ivy on his head is the attribute of wine-intoxicated revellers, as this plant is believed to have a cooling effect. In addition, ivy is easy to find and bind together, and perhaps itself symbolizes exuberance and excess.

Obverse: Boeotian shield with club. Reverse: Head of Dionysos with ivy wreath to right in incuse square.