Thoughts on the Iconography of the Sophytos Coinage

Abstract

The iconography of the coinage issued by Sophytos in early Hellenistic Bactria is analysed. It has long been recognised that the iconography involving a cockerel, winged cheek-guards and an “open 8” caduceus suggests the invocation of the Greek god Hermes. Taking into account the Iranian context of the coinage, the possibility is analysed that the coinage testifies an identification of Hermes with Sraoša. While the evidence is wanting, such an interpretatio seems well possible. Independent of this, the coinage is put into context with the mention of a cockerel used as a field ensign in the Achaemenid period by Plutarch. It suggests that rather than interpret Sophytos as a “rebel” against Macedonian rule in Bactria, he should be considered a governor who derived his legitimacy from an imperial Achaemenid or Macedonian office.