Abstract
This article offers a catalog as well as a historical and iconographic examination of the coins minted in the Roman city of Anthemusia located in the province of Osrhoene. These series are rare and limited to the reigns of Caracalla (211-217 AD) and Elagabalus (218-222 AD). The emission under Caracalla comes at the time of the city’s independence from the kingdom of Edessa in 212/ 213 AD. From a metrological point of view, the pieces correspond to those produced at Edessa and Carrhae minted at the same time. The reverse shows the bust of a Tyche with mural crown and another goddess wearing a symbol related to the bull or the baetyl. Evidence from coins and other iconographic sources suggests that the object represents Ba’al or Hadad, the storm god in the Near East, which makes it possible to identify this goddess as Atargatis. Coins minted in the name of Elagabalus are more common than those of Caracalla ; there is no significant metrological difference between the two series. On the reverse is the same deity wearing a mural crown. Given the emperor’s youthful appearance, these coins were likely minted early in his reign.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
