CILICIA. Augusta. Livia.(14-29). Ae.

Obv : Draped bust right.

Rev : AVΓOVCTANωN.
Capricorn right, with globus between forehooves; star above.
RPC I online 4007; Ziegler 858-560; SNG France 1891.
EX BIGA.

Condition : This coin is in fair condition with noticeable wear on the surface. The patina is a greenish-brown color, typical of ancient bronze coins, showing some corrosion, especially near the portrait. Despite this, the details, such as the figure and inscriptions, are still relatively visible, though worn. The patina gives the coin an antique look, with some roughness around the edges due to age.Very fine.

Material : Bronze.
Axis : 12h

Weight : 3.16 gr
Diameter : 16 mm

Augusta, a city in the region of Cilicia, was an important settlement in ancient southeastern Anatolia, located in what is now modern-day Turkey. Cilicia, known for its strategic position along the Mediterranean coast, served as a key link between the eastern and western parts of the ancient world. The region was rich in fertile plains and rugged mountains, and its cities played significant roles in trade, military campaigns, and cultural exchanges. Augusta, like many other cities in the region, reflected these aspects of Cilician life, marked by its political, military, and economic importance.

The city of Augusta likely rose to prominence during the Roman period. It was not uncommon for cities to take the name "Augusta" in honor of the emperor Augustus or to signify loyalty to the Roman imperial family. This practice was part of the broader Roman strategy of integrating the provinces into the empire through the promotion of Roman culture, religion, and governance. Cities that bore the name Augusta were often centers of Roman administration, trade, and military activity, indicating their importance within the empire.

Under Roman rule, Cilicia became a major center for trade and commerce, with Augusta benefiting from its location near key maritime and land routes. The Mediterranean coast allowed for easy access to seafaring trade, while the city's proximity to the Cilician Gates, a pass through the Taurus Mountains, provided a crucial land route connecting the Anatolian plateau to Syria and beyond. Augusta would have been involved in the export of goods such as olive oil, wine, and textiles, as well as in the import of luxury items from the eastern Mediterranean and beyond. The region was also known for its timber and naval resources, which were essential for shipbuilding and military purposes.

As a Roman city, Augusta would have featured typical Roman urban infrastructure, including public baths, a forum, temples, and possibly an amphitheater or theater for public entertainment. The presence of such structures would have reflected the city’s integration into the broader Roman world and its inhabitants' adoption of Roman customs and culture. Roman architecture and engineering would have transformed the urban landscape of Augusta, contributing to its prominence as a provincial center.

Cilicia was also a region of significant military importance to the Roman Empire. Its coastal cities, including Augusta, were often fortified to protect against piracy, which had been a major issue in the region prior to Roman intervention. Pompey the Great, a Roman general, famously cleared the region of pirates in the 1st century BCE, making Cilicia safer for trade and helping to secure Roman control. Augusta, as a Roman city, would have benefited from these efforts, enjoying greater security and stability, which allowed for economic growth and urban development.

Religion played a vital role in the life of Augusta, as in many Roman cities. The city would have hosted temples dedicated to the traditional Roman gods, such as Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva, as well as local deities who were often syncretized with Roman gods. Emperor worship was also an important aspect of civic life in Roman cities, and Augusta likely had an imperial cult where the emperor was venerated as a god. This practice helped to solidify the loyalty of provincial cities to the emperor and fostered a sense of unity across the vast Roman Empire.

In addition to its Roman influence, Augusta, like other cities in Cilicia, was home to a diverse population that included Greeks, Anatolians, and other ethnic groups from across the region. The blending of cultures would have created a unique cultural environment where Roman, Hellenistic, and local traditions coexisted and interacted. This cultural diversity was characteristic of Cilicia, a region that had long been a meeting point between different civilizations, including the Hittites, Assyrians, Persians, Greeks, and Romans.

During the later Roman and Byzantine periods, Augusta continued to play a role as a regional center, though it, like many cities in Cilicia, faced challenges from external invasions and internal strife. The Sassanid Persians, Arabs, and later the Seljuks all sought to control the region due to its strategic location. Despite these challenges, Augusta remained an important city, contributing to the defense of the region and maintaining its role in trade and regional politics.

By the medieval period, Cilicia became part of the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia, and many cities in the region, including Augusta, adapted to the changing political and cultural landscape. The city would have been influenced by the Armenian kingdom’s distinct culture, while still retaining elements of its Roman and Byzantine past.

Today, the remnants of Augusta are largely lost to history, with few archaeological remains identified definitively as belonging to the ancient city. However, its legacy as part of the Roman and Byzantine heritage of Cilicia remains important. The city’s history reflects the broader story of Cilicia as a crossroads of empires, cultures, and trade routes, showcasing its significance within the ancient Mediterranean world.

In summary, Augusta was a vital city within Cilicia, benefiting from its strategic location, economic activity, and integration into the Roman Empire. Its cultural and political connections to Rome, combined with its regional importance in trade and military matters, made it a key player in the history of Cilicia and the broader Mediterranean region.