LYCAONIA.Barata.Philip I Arab. (244-249). Ae.

Obv : AY KAI M IOYΛI ΦIΛIΠΠON ЄYCЄ.
Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right.

Rev : KOINON ΛYKAO ΒΑΡΑΤƐⲰΝ.
Athena standing facing, head to left, holding patera in her right hand and spear in her left; at feet to left, eagle standing left; to right, shield.
RPC VIII online 2968.

Condition : Good condition with minor wear and smooth surfaces.Greenish-brown patina with rough texture.Good very fine.

Material : Bronze.
Axis : 6h

Weight : 13.29 gr
Diameter : 28 mm

Barata was an ancient city located in the region of Lycaonia, part of the central Anatolian plateau in modern-day Turkey. Like many cities in Lycaonia, Barata’s history reflects the broader geopolitical shifts that occurred in the region from the Hellenistic period through the Roman and Byzantine eras. Though not as famous as the larger cities in Asia Minor, Barata played a significant role in the local culture and economy of Lycaonia, contributing to the region’s development and interactions with various empires.

Lycaonia was a rugged and semi-arid region, known for its expansive plains and relative isolation compared to the coastal areas of Asia Minor. Barata, situated in this landscape, likely had its origins during the Hellenistic period following the conquests of Alexander the Great. After the fall of the Persian Empire, the region of Lycaonia came under the control of the Seleucid Empire, one of the successor states to Alexander’s empire. During this time, cities like Barata were influenced by Hellenistic culture, though they retained many indigenous Anatolian characteristics.

The Hellenistic influence on Barata can be seen in its urban planning, architecture, and the use of the Greek language for official inscriptions and documents. Like other cities in Lycaonia, Barata would have adopted elements of Greek culture, including the construction of public buildings such as theaters, temples, and marketplaces. However, the local population maintained their distinct Anatolian identity, resulting in a blending of cultures that characterized the region.

Barata’s importance grew further when Lycaonia became part of the Roman Empire. The Romans were known for their ability to integrate diverse regions into their empire, and Barata, like other cities in Lycaonia, was incorporated into the Roman provincial system. The city benefited from the extensive network of Roman roads that crisscrossed the region, linking Barata to other major cities such as Iconium (modern-day Konya) and Lystra. These roads facilitated trade and communication, allowing Barata to participate in the broader economic activities of the Roman world.

The economy of Barata, like much of Lycaonia, was based primarily on agriculture. The region, though not as fertile as the coastal areas of Asia Minor, was well-suited for the cultivation of grains and the grazing of livestock. The city's inhabitants likely engaged in farming and animal husbandry, producing surplus goods that could be traded with neighboring cities. Barata’s role as a local market town would have been essential for the surrounding rural population, providing a place to exchange goods and services.

Culturally, Barata was a melting pot of influences. While the city adopted many aspects of Greek and Roman culture, it also maintained local traditions. Religious practices in Barata likely reflected this blend of influences. Temples dedicated to both the traditional gods of the Anatolian people and the gods of the Greek and Roman pantheon would have been common. Like many cities in the Roman Empire, Barata probably participated in the imperial cult, which venerated the Roman emperors as divine figures and was an important part of public life, reinforcing the loyalty of provincial cities to the central authority in Rome.

Christianity began to spread across Lycaonia in the early centuries of the Roman Empire, and Barata would have been affected by this religious transformation. The region is notable for its connection to the missionary journeys of Paul the Apostle, who traveled through Lycaonia to preach Christianity. While there is no direct mention of Barata in the biblical texts, it is likely that the city, like many others in the region, gradually adopted Christianity. By the 4th century, Christianity had become the dominant religion in Lycaonia, and Barata may have had its own church or bishop as part of the emerging Christian hierarchy.

As the Roman Empire transitioned into the Byzantine period, Barata, like many other cities in Asia Minor, continued to function as a provincial town. However, the region faced increasing challenges from external pressures, particularly from the rise of the Sassanid Empire to the east and later from Arab incursions. The constant threat of invasions and internal strife during the Byzantine era contributed to the gradual decline of smaller cities like Barata.

By the time the Seljuk Turks began their advance into Anatolia in the 11th century, many cities in central Asia Minor, including Barata, had already experienced significant decline. The city may have been abandoned or significantly reduced in size as the political and military instability of the region intensified. Today, the ancient city of Barata remains largely unexplored, with little archaeological evidence to provide a detailed picture of its history.

In conclusion, Barata was an important local city in the region of Lycaonia, playing a role in the agricultural and economic life of the area. Influenced by the Hellenistic, Roman, and later Byzantine cultures, the city exemplifies the cultural blending that was typical of the region. While Barata did not achieve the lasting prominence of larger cities, its history reflects the broader dynamics of empire, religion, and local identity that shaped ancient Lycaonia. Today, the legacy of Barata offers a glimpse into the life of a provincial city in the heart of Anatolia during the classical and late antique periods.