Literature

Tyche (ΤΥΧΗ, τύχη in Greek), the Greek goddess of fortune, originated in the 4th century BC, flourished in the Hellenistic period, and was adopted by the Romans as Fortuna. She controlled the fortunes of individuals, armies, cities, and kingdoms. She also served as the patron goddess and protector of cities, as Athena did for Athens. She served as the city’s symbol, and images of the goddess—generally a statue erected in a temple or civic space—showed her wearing the city walls as a crown. Images of Tyche wearing the mural crown are common symbols on coins of the late Hellenistic and Roman periods, especially in the eastern Mediterranean.