THRACE.Hadrianopolis. Septimius Severus.(193 - 211).Ae.

Obv : AY K Λ CEΠTI CEYHΡOC Π.
Laureate head right.

Rev : AΔΡIANOΠOΛITΩN.
Sarapis, wearing a calathos, seated to the left, holding a patera in his right hand, extended over a flaming altar, and holding a scepter in his left hand.
SNRIS Hadrianopolis 6A.

Condition : This coin exhibits a worn but attractive green patina, typical of aged bronze coins. The patina covers most of the surface, giving it an earthy, historical appearance, and serves as a protective layer that has developed over time. The details are slightly worn but still discernible, adding to the coin's aged character.Good very fine.

Material : Bronze.
Axis : 7h

Weight : 10.03 gr
Diameter : 25 mm

Hadrianopolis, known today as Edirne in modern-day Turkey, was an important city in the Roman province of Thrace. The city was founded by the Roman Emperor Hadrian in the early 2nd century CE, around 123-124 CE, and was named in his honor. Its foundation marked the expansion of Roman influence in the region, and it quickly grew into a key political, military, and cultural center in the Balkans.

Hadrianopolis was strategically located at the crossroads of several important routes connecting the Aegean Sea, the Balkans, and the Anatolian Peninsula. This made it a vital hub for trade and military movements, especially as Rome sought to secure its frontiers in the eastern parts of the empire. The city’s position near the confluence of the Maritsa, Tundzha, and Arda rivers also contributed to its importance as a commercial center.

Throughout the Roman and Byzantine periods, Hadrianopolis played a key role in various military campaigns due to its proximity to the empire's northern borders. It became a fortress city, helping to defend the empire against invasions from barbarian tribes such as the Goths and later the Huns. The city’s fortifications were strengthened multiple times, and its location made it a critical defensive point during times of conflict.

In addition to its military significance, Hadrianopolis was an important cultural and economic center. It hosted public buildings such as theaters, baths, and temples, characteristic of Roman urban planning. The city also minted its own coins, reflecting its local autonomy and its role in the broader economy of the empire.

Hadrianopolis was the site of several notable historical events. One of the most famous is the Battle of Adrianople, fought in 378 CE, where the Roman army under Emperor Valens suffered a devastating defeat at the hands of the Gothic forces. This battle is often seen as a turning point in the history of the Roman Empire, marking the beginning of the decline of Roman control in the Balkans and the rise of the Gothic threat.

During the Byzantine era, Hadrianopolis continued to be an important center, particularly during the conflicts between the Byzantine Empire and various invaders such as the Bulgars and the Seljuk Turks. Its strategic location ensured that it remained a focal point in the defense of the empire, especially as Constantinople grew in importance.

Over the centuries, Hadrianopolis maintained its role as a key city in the region, with its rich history spanning Roman, Byzantine, and later Ottoman rule. Its legacy as a center of military, political, and economic activity in Thrace is reflected in its modern identity as Edirne, a city that still holds historical significance today.