The Man-Faced Bull of Gela
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Abstract
The man-faced bull appears as a numismatic type in Magna Graecia and Sicily beginning in the late sixth century BCE. The man-faced bull coinage of various cities in Sicily served as a symbol of the political entity and cultural identity of a mixed demographic. This thesis examines man-faced bull coin-types issued in Gela between 491 and 400 BCE, delving into the identity and significance of the MFB motif. Through an examination of the intricate craftsmanship, materiality, and cultural interactions of this period, this thesis sheds light on the multifaceted identity of the MFB, specifically focusing on its role in Gela.