CILICIA.Flaviopolis.Domitian.(81-96).Ae.

Obv : ΔΟΜƐΤΙΑΝΟϹ ΚΑΙϹΑΡ.
laureate head of Domitian right; Countermarked helmeted head of Athena right in incuse rectangle.

Rev : ƐΤΟΥϹ ΖΙ ΦΛΑΥΙΟΠΟΛƐΙΤWΝ.
Tyche seated on throne, right, holding two corn-ears; at her feet, river god.
RPC II online 1758.
EX BIGA.

Condition : This coin exhibits significant wear, with details being smooth and less distinct. The patina has a greenish hue, indicating a bronze composition that has undergone oxidation over time. The surface is relatively uniform, suggesting a stable environmental exposure.Very fine.

Material : Bronze.
Axis : 11h

Weight : 7.01 gr
Diameter : 22 mm

Flaviopolis was an ancient city located in the region of Cilicia, in what is now southern Turkey. It was likely founded during the Roman period, as its name "Flaviopolis" suggests a connection to the Flavian dynasty, which ruled the Roman Empire from 69 to 96 CE. The city was part of Cilicia, a historically significant region known for its strategic location along the Mediterranean coast and its role as a crossroads between the East and West.

Flaviopolis was situated near major trade routes that linked Anatolia to Syria, making it an important center for commerce and communication. The city benefitted from the region’s agricultural wealth, particularly in the production of grains, wine, and olives, which were traded throughout the Roman Empire. The proximity to the sea also facilitated maritime trade, allowing goods to be transported to other parts of the Mediterranean world.

The city was established during the Roman Empire's period of relative peace and stability, known as the Pax Romana, which allowed for the flourishing of urban centers like Flaviopolis. The Roman influence is evident in the city's architecture and urban planning, with features such as temples, baths, and public buildings that reflected the style and grandeur of Roman cities across the empire.

Flaviopolis also played a role in the administrative structure of the Roman Empire, functioning as a local hub within the province of Cilicia. The city was likely involved in regional governance, with Roman officials stationed there to oversee local affairs and ensure the efficient collection of taxes and the maintenance of order. Like other cities in the region, Flaviopolis minted its own coins, a sign of its economic importance and degree of autonomy within the empire.

During the Byzantine period, Flaviopolis continued to be a significant city, as Cilicia remained an important frontier zone between the Byzantine Empire and the eastern powers, such as the Sassanid Empire and later the Arab Caliphates. The city’s strategic position made it part of the defensive efforts against invasions from the east. However, over time, the city's importance declined, especially with the rise of new trade routes and shifting political powers in the region.

Today, the history of Flaviopolis is remembered primarily through archaeological remains and historical records, which highlight its role as a vibrant city during the Roman and Byzantine periods. Its legacy as part of the rich cultural and economic landscape of ancient Cilicia reflects the broader significance of the region in connecting the Mediterranean world to the Near East.