In the history of civilization, “lion” has always represented  strength , power, might , sovernity and the state of protection. Considering all the civilizations , lions statues iconographies, frescoes and figures have been widely  used as a universal symbol.

     In Sumerian mythology Gılgamısh who was in quest of immortality was illusturated as the lion of “Uruq” and his statues were erected as statues consisting of human head and lion body. On the other hand , in the whole Anatolian civilisation, especially in early and late Hitite, old Greek and Roman and in Byzantine period we have frequently come across with lion objects. In addition to that in the middle ages , astrology was commonly accepted and widely used. Yet, science of lion-and-sun were lion constellation. For example on the top of mountain Nemrut, there is a composed sun-and-lion statue with some astrological signs. It belongs to Antioch who lived in the first century BC. (Image 1)

    Moreover, during the reign of II. Kaykhusraw of the Seljuks of Rum, the coins with sun-and-lion motives on them were not influenced by Mongol coins with sun-and-lion figures on them .(Image 2-7)

    The coins of  II. Kaykhusraw with sun-and-lion on them mentioned above were studied by Dr. Lutz Ilich in his valuable article in the ONS meetings last year.¹

    Furthermore they are not as conspicuous and well decorative as a Seljuk coin. The main reason of their simplicity were originated for their being smaller in size. In addition to that the engravers were not as experienced as the engravers of the Seljuk palace.