PHRYGIA. Bruzus. Maximinus I with Maximus Caesar.(235/6-238).Ae.

Obv : ΑΥΤ Κ Γ ΙΟΥ ΟΥΗΡ ΜΑΞΙΜΕΙΝΟϹ Γ ΙΟΥ ΟΥΗ ΜΑΞΙΜΟϹ Κ.
Facing busts of Maximinus laureate draped and cuirassed right, and Maximus bare-headed draped and cuirassed left.

Rev : ΒΡΟΥΖΗΝΩΝ (retrograde ΝΩΝ).
Asclepius standing facing head left holding serpent-staff facing Hygieia standing right feeding serpent from patera.
RPC VI, 5621 (temporary).

Condition : The coin is in good condition with a dark patina. The details on both sides are well-preserved, and the inscriptions are still legible, though there is some minor wear on the surface. The patina gives it an aged, dark appearance, enhancing its historical appeal.Good very fine.

Material : Bronze.
Axis : 6h

Weight : 9.34 gr
Diameter : 28 mm

Phrygia was an ancient region located in the west-central part of Anatolia (modern-day Turkey), known for its rich history and cultural significance. Among the many cities of Phrygia, Bruzus was one of the smaller yet notable settlements. While Bruzus did not achieve the fame of larger Phrygian cities such as Gordium or Hierapolis, it played a significant role in the local and regional dynamics of the Hellenistic and Roman periods.Bruzus (also referred to as Brouzos or Brouzus in various ancient texts) was situated in the southern part of Phrygia, likely in the region known as Phrygia Pacatiana during the later Roman Empire. The exact founding date of Bruzus is unclear, though like many Phrygian cities, it is believed to have been established during the early Hellenistic period following the conquests of Alexander the Great in the 4th century BCE. After the decline of the Achaemenid Persian Empire and the rise of Macedonian influence in Anatolia, Bruzus, like many other Phrygian settlements, came under the influence of the Seleucid Empire.During the Hellenistic period, Bruzus was part of the kingdom of Pergamon and later the Roman province of Asia. Under Roman rule, the city likely enjoyed a period of growth and relative prosperity. Many cities in Phrygia flourished during the Roman era due to their strategic locations along trade routes and the Pax Romana (Roman peace) that allowed for stability and economic development.

Bruzus, though small, issued its own coins, a testament to its local significance. The city's coinage often bore the images of local deities and symbols, including representations of Zeus, the king of the gods, who was widely worshiped in Phrygia, as well as other deities and civic symbols important to the local population. The coins produced by Bruzus have been found throughout Phrygia and provide valuable insights into its economy, religious practices, and local governance.While Bruzus may not have been a major urban center in ancient Phrygia, it holds a unique place in the region's history. The city's coinage and archaeological remains offer a fascinating glimpse into the life of a smaller Phrygian settlement during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. As archaeological efforts continue and new discoveries are made, our understanding of Bruzus and its role within ancient Phrygia will likely expand, shedding further light on the complexities of life in this lesser-known yet historically rich region.

Bruzus, like many other small cities of ancient Anatolia, represents the often overlooked but vital parts of the ancient world that contributed to the broader cultural and economic fabric of the classical civilizations.