Ancient Egypt, Ptolemaic Bronze Pair of Hellenistic Bronze Arrowheads of Queen Berenike II – with Berenike Monograms

Pair of Very Rare Hellenistic Bronze Arrowheads of Queen Berenike II – with Berenike Monograms
Ptolemaic / Hellenistic Period, reign of Berenike II, circa 246–222 BC

Material: Bronze

Arrowhead 1:
12.4 g
75.0 × 14.3 × 8.8 mm

Arrowhead 2:
9.0 g
80.2 × 14.8 × 5.5 mm

From a Private European Collection.

An exceptional and very rare pair of remarkably well-preserved Hellenistic bronze arrowheads associated with Queen Berenike II of Ptolemaic Egypt (246–222 BC), both bearing the distinctive BE / Berenike monogram.

These impressive military artefacts belong to the characteristic barbed-and-tanged arrowhead type associated with the Hellenistic Mediterranean and traditionally connected with the Cretan archers serving the Ptolemaic Queen Berenike II, wife of Ptolemy III Euergetes.

Of particular importance is the clearly recognisable BE monogram appearing on both arrowheads. The monogram combines the Greek letters Beta and Epsilon (BE) and has been interpreted as an abbreviation of Berenike (Βερενίκη). Comparable monogrammed arrowheads are documented from Cyrenaica, including Berenike itself, providing an important archaeological parallel for this distinctive group of Hellenistic weapons.

The exceptional preservation of the present pair considerably enhances their importance and visual appeal. Both arrowheads survive almost completely, retaining their unusually long tangs, prominent backward-projecting barbs and strongly defined central ribs. Even the identifying monograms remain clearly visible after more than two millennia.

With impressive lengths of 75.0 and 80.2 mm, both are particularly substantial examples. Their elongated proportions, robust median ribs and pronounced barbs give them the unmistakable appearance of functional Hellenistic military weapons rather than merely symbolic objects.

The survival of two closely related examples carrying the same Berenike monogram makes the present group especially attractive. While ancient bronze arrowheads themselves are regularly encountered, monogrammed examples belonging to this historically significant Berenike group are considerably rarer, and a preserved pair provides an exceptional opportunity to study the form and marking side by side.

The historical context is particularly fascinating. Berenike II was one of the most important queens of the Ptolemaic dynasty, ruling alongside Ptolemy III during a period in which Ptolemaic influence extended throughout much of the eastern Mediterranean. Cretan archers were among the most renowned missile troops of the Hellenistic world and served as highly valued mercenaries in the armies of the great successor kingdoms.

Comparable BE-monogrammed arrowheads have entered both museum collections and the antiquities market. An example recorded in the British Museum collection from Cyrenaica carries the same Berenike interpretation, while another archaeological example was recovered from the area of the Hellenistic city wall of Berenike, providing an especially significant geographical connection with the queen whose name the monogram represents.

The combination of royal association, military history, impressive dimensions, exceptional preservation and the presence of the Berenike monogram on both pieces distinguishes this pair from ordinary Hellenistic arrowheads.

A very rare and exceptionally well-preserved pair of Hellenistic bronze arrowheads of the Berenike II group – two remarkable survivals of Ptolemaic military history bearing the monogram associated with one of the most celebrated queens of the Hellenistic world.

I prove that the lot was obtained legally , provenance statement seen by Catawiki
Important information. I guarantee that I am entitled to ship this lot.
I will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged.
I will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.