Ancient Archaic Period - 385/4-362/1 BCE Cilicia, Tarsus Mint AR Obol of Datames NGC Choice VF

From the Faces in Time Collection of Ancient coinage (14).

Greek CILICIA, Tarsos, Tarkumuwa (Datames), Satrap of Cilicia and Cappadocia, (Circa 385/4-362/1 BC). AR (silver) Obol. Obverse: Head of female facing slightly to left, with drapery around her neck. Reverse: Draped bust of female (Aphrodite?) to right, wearing tainia, hoop earring, and pearl necklace. SNG Levante 217-8. SNG France 310-1. Casabonne type 1. Sunrise 48.

Banquet scene of a Satrap, on the "Sarcophagus of the Satrap" Sidon, 4th Century BC.

A satrap was a provincial governor during the time of the Achaemenian Empire. Dividing of the Persian Empire into provinces (satrapies) was achieved by Darius I (ruled 522-486 BC). He established 20 satrapies that donated annual tribute to the king. Appointed by the king, satraps were typically members of the royal family or Persian nobles who held office with no time limit. As the administrative chief of his province, each satrap collected taxes and served as the leading judicial authority. His responsibilities included internal security and raising and maintaining an army. In order to prevent abuse of satrapic power, Darius established a system of controls over those officials. Leading satrapy officials and the military commander of the province were directly responsible to the king, and periodic inspections were made by royal officials. The satrapy gained independence after the mid-5th century BC, when the empire's central authority weakened. Satrapal administration was retained by Alexander III and his successors.