ANCIENT ITALY Æ Reduced Uncia c. 211-208 BC Bruttium - The Brettian League AVF, dark green patina

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ANCIENT ITALY - Bruttium - The Brettian League

Æ Reduced Uncia - bronze - c. 211-208 BC - fine classical style

Obv.: Laureate head of Zeus right; thunderbolt behind.

Rev.: Naked warrior advancing right, holding spear and large shield; torch in front; behind, BP - ETTIΩN

Provenance: ex Jean Elsen & ses Fils (Brussels, BE), private treaty (sold with dealer ticket)

Note: The Brettii appear to have originated from a group of runaway slaves and fugitives from Greek cities in the north who took refuge in the rugged mountainous regions of southern Italy, eventually gaining power over most of Italy south of the river Lao. As Roman authority expanded the Brettii formed alliances with their neighbors, but were ultimately defeated. Subsequently attracted by Hannibal's early successes against Rome, they allied themselves with him and Carthage, turning all of Bruttium into a Punic fortress during the Second Punic War. During this time the entire series of Brettian coinage was struck. The Brettii were again on the losing side, and after Hannibal's defeat the Romans subjugated Bruttium through annual military deployments and the establishment of colonies, and denied them the usual rights granted to Roman citizens throughout the empire.

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