Epidamnus/Dyrrahchium (Durres) coins and hoard in the Mediterranean territories from 4th to 3rd centuries BC: A spatial distribution analysis

Abstract

The study of the territorial distribution of Epidamnus/Dyrrahchium coins is a relevant topic in the context of the study of the history of Antiquity, because by studying the history of numismatics, a number of general historical conclusions can be made. The purpose of this article is to study and analyze the territorial distribution of Epidamnus/Dyrrahchium coins in the 4th-3rd centuries BC. In the course of conducting this research, a number of methods were used, in particular: analysis, synthesis, comparison, specification and generalization. As a result of the study, the history of the coinage of Epidamnus/Dyrrahchium was considered, and the characteristic features of the first coins were determined. All the finds of Epidamnus/Dyrrahchium coins were also framed and displayed on the map. It was determined that the coins of the 4th century BC were mostly spread on the coastal area of the Adriatic Sea, which is evidence of maritime trade, and also in Sicily, which is the result of military campaigns. In the 3rd century BC coins of Epidamnus/Dyrrahchium appear in the territory of modern Romania and Bulgaria, which indicates the development of overland trade routes. Many coins were also found in the territory of coastal cities, which indicates a stronger development of sea trade. This article is the first comprehensive study of the territorial distribution of Epidamnus/Dyrrahchium coins, and is useful for historians studying the economic and military aspects of Antiquity.