What is displayed on the national side of Greek €2 coin?
Greek euro coins feature a unique design for each of the eight coins. Uniquely, the value of the coins is expressed on the national side in the Greek alphabet, as well as being on the common side in the Roman alphabet. The national side of the Greek 2-euro coin displays the abduction of Europa by Zeus in the form of a bull.
In Greek mythology, Europa (Ancient Greek: Εὐρώπη) was the mother of King Minos of Crete, a Phoenician princess of Argive origin, after whom the continent Europe is named. Europa's earliest literary reference is in the Iliad, which is commonly dated to the 8th century BC. Another early reference to her is in a fragment of the Hesiodic Catalogue of Women, discovered at Oxyrhynchus. The earliest vase-painting securely identifiable as Europa dates from mid-7th century BC.
In Greek mythology Zeus was enamoured of Europa and decided to seduce her. He transformed himself into a tame white bull and mixed in with her father's herds. While Europa and her helpers were gathering flowers, she saw the bull, caressed his flanks, and eventually got onto his back. Zeus took that opportunity and ran to the sea and swam, with her on his back, to the island of Crete. He then revealed his true identity, and Europa became the first queen of Crete. Zeus gave her a necklace made by Hephaestus and three additional gifts: Talos, Laelaps and a javelin that never missed. Zeus later re-created the shape of the white bull in the stars, which is now known as the constellation Taurus.
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