The cult of Sandan, or Sandas, is a remnant of the 17th century BC Hittite occupation of Cilicia. In his Luwian form he was Teshub, the god of mountain storms. Within the Hittite sanctuary at Yazilikaya he is depicted as a bearded god with conical headdress, holding a club and plant, probably related to the Mesopotamian Tree of Life. Like the rest of the Hittite High Gods, Teshub's feet never touch earth; he either rides the back of mythological beasts, is borne on the shoulders of lesser gods, or strides above the mountain tops. The mountain tops recall the lofty Hittite homeland, as does the high-peaked cap, and the pyramidal shape of Sandan's altar. While Sandan's cult in Tarsos became assimilated with that of Herakles, in his origins as a nature god he is more similar to the Greek king of the gods, Zeus.
CILICIA, Tarsus. Hadrian. 117-138 AD. AR Tridrachm (9.65 gm). ΑΥΤ ΚΑΙ ΘΕ ΤΡΑ ΠΑΡ ΥΙ ΘΕ ΝΕΡ ΥΙ ΤΡΑΙ ΑΔΡΙΑΝΟC CE, laureate and draped bust right / ΤΑΡCEΩΝ ΜΗΤΡΟΠΟΛΕΩC, the god Sandan striding right on back of a horned lion, the god wears a towered crown with flame on his back, and holds a quiver, sceptre, sword, double-axe, and diadem. SNG Levante 996 (this coin); SNG France -; BMC Lycaonia pg. 186, 145; SNG Copenhagen -; SNG von Aulock -; Prieur 768 (this coin illustrated).
