PONTOS. Amaseia. Caracalla (197-217). Ae.

Obv : AY KAI M AYP ANTΩNINOC.
Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right.

Rev : AΔP CE ANT AMACIAC MH NE Π Π / E - T / C - H.
Tyche standing facing, head left, holding cornucopia and rudder.
Lindgren III 16; Waddington RG p. 44, 65; Cf. BMC 27.
EX BIGA.

Condition : The coin is in fair condition, showing significant signs of wear, particularly on the surfaces where some of the details have faded. The patina is a greenish-black hue, indicative of oxidation over time. There are patches of discoloration, with some brown tones, likely due to exposure to different elements. The overall surface has a rough texture, and the worn patina adds to the ancient character of the coin.Very fine.

Material : Bronze.
Axis : 5h

Weight : 20.35 gr
Diameter : 28 mm

Amaseia, the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Pontus, is located in what is today the city of Amasya in northern Turkey. Nestled along the banks of the Iris River (modern Yeşilırmak) and surrounded by rugged cliffs, Amaseia served as a key political, cultural, and military center in the region. The city’s history stretches back to the Hellenistic period and is deeply intertwined with the rise and fall of the powerful Mithridatic dynasty, which ruled the Kingdom of Pontus for several centuries.

The city's origins date back to the early Hellenistic period, after the campaigns of Alexander the Great. Amaseia’s location in a valley surrounded by high mountains and cliffs made it a natural fortress, which contributed to its selection as the capital by Mithridates I Ktistes, the founder of the Kingdom of Pontus in the 3rd century BCE. The city’s strategic position along important trade routes connecting the Black Sea with central Anatolia further bolstered its significance.

Amaseia became the heart of the Mithridatic dynasty, and it was under Mithridates VI Eupator, one of the most famous rulers of Pontus, that the city reached its zenith. Mithridates VI, often referred to as Mithridates the Great, ruled from 120 to 63 BCE and transformed Pontus into a powerful kingdom capable of challenging the Roman Republic. He fortified Amaseia and used it as a base for his campaigns against Rome. The city became a symbol of Mithridates’ ambition to create an empire that could rival Roman dominance in the eastern Mediterranean. During his reign, Amaseia was adorned with grand palaces, temples, and fortifications, making it not only a political hub but also a cultural and architectural gem of the Hellenistic world.

One of the most remarkable features of Amaseia during the Mithridatic period was its royal tombs, carved into the cliffs overlooking the city. These monumental tombs, likely built for the Mithridatic kings, are still visible today and serve as a reminder of the city’s regal past. The tombs reflect both Greek and Persian influences, as the Mithridatic dynasty sought to blend elements of Hellenistic culture with the Persian heritage that had long been influential in Anatolia.

Amaseia's importance was not limited to its role as a royal capital. The city was also a center of learning and culture. It was the birthplace of the famous geographer and historian Strabo, who was born in Amaseia around 64 BCE. Strabo's works provide valuable insights into the geography, history, and politics of the ancient world, and his descriptions of Amaseia highlight its beauty and strategic importance. Strabo praised the city's natural defenses, noting its steep cliffs and the protective walls built by the Mithridatic kings, which made it nearly impregnable.

Despite its strengths, Amaseia eventually fell to Rome during the Mithridatic Wars, a series of conflicts between Mithridates VI and the Roman Republic. In 63 BCE, after years of conflict, Mithridates VI was defeated by the Roman general Pompey the Great, and Pontus was absorbed into the Roman Empire. Amaseia lost its status as the capital of Pontus, with the Romans moving the capital to Sinope, a coastal city with easier access to maritime trade routes.

Under Roman rule, Amaseia remained an important regional center. The city was integrated into the Roman provincial system and became part of the province of Bithynia and Pontus. Although it no longer served as a royal capital, Amaseia retained its significance as a cultural and administrative hub. Roman infrastructure, such as roads, aqueducts, and public buildings, further enhanced the city's development. Amaseia also became a center for the spread of Roman culture and law throughout the region, although it retained elements of its Hellenistic and Persian past.

The city’s strategic location continued to be important during the Byzantine period, as it served as a key defensive site against invasions from the east, including attacks from the Persians and later the Arab armies. Amaseia's rugged terrain and strong fortifications helped it withstand numerous sieges, and the city remained a vital part of the Byzantine defense network in Anatolia.

Throughout the Byzantine era, Amaseia became a center of Christian learning and ecclesiastical administration. It was home to several important churches and monasteries, and the city became a bishopric. Christianity flourished in the region, and the city’s religious significance grew alongside its political and military importance.

Amaseia's prominence continued into the medieval period, although it faced challenges from external forces such as the Seljuk Turks and later the Mongols. After the Seljuk conquest of Anatolia, the city gradually came under the control of various Turkish dynasties, eventually becoming part of the Ottoman Empire in the 14th century. Under Ottoman rule, Amaseia thrived as a provincial capital and became known for its agricultural productivity, particularly in the cultivation of fruits such as apples, which the region is still famous for today.

In conclusion, Amaseia was a city of great historical significance, serving as the capital of the Kingdom of Pontus and later as a key administrative and cultural center under Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman rule. Its strategic location, natural defenses, and rich cultural heritage made it one of the most important cities in northern Anatolia. The city's association with the Mithridatic dynasty, particularly Mithridates VI, and its status as the birthplace of Strabo further contribute to its lasting legacy in the history of the ancient Mediterranean world. Today, the ruins of Amaseia, including its royal tombs and fortifications, stand as a testament to its storied past.