CILICIA. Hierapolis-Castabala. Nerva.(96-98). Ae.

Obv : NEPOYAC KAICAR.
Laureate head right.

Rev : IEPOΠOΛITΩN.
Nike standing left, holding wreath and palm.
RPC online 3383.

Condition : This coin has a dark, almost black patina, with hints of green tones indicating the typical oxidation seen on ancient bronze coins. The surface shows some wear, particularly on the high points, but much of the detail remains visible. The patina, while dark, gives the coin a classic aged look, adding to its historical character. Some pitting is evident, which is common with coins of this age, but the inscriptions and portrait remain legible.Very fine.

Material : Bronze.
Axis : 12h

Weight : 3.86 gr
Diameter : 16 mm

Hierapolis-Castabala was an ancient city located in the region of Cilicia, in what is now modern-day southern Turkey. This city was part of the larger cultural and political landscape of Cilicia, a region that historically bridged the Hellenistic, Roman, and later Byzantine worlds. Hierapolis-Castabala was situated near the Ceyhan River (ancient Pyramus) and close to the Amanus Mountains, which separated Cilicia from Syria. The city played a significant role in the region's history due to its strategic location and religious significance.

The origins of Hierapolis-Castabala are somewhat obscure, but it was likely founded during the Hellenistic period, possibly under the Seleucid Empire, which ruled much of the Near East following the conquests of Alexander the Great. The city was known as Hierapolis, meaning "sacred city" in Greek, due to its association with the cult of Artemis Perasia, a local goddess worshipped in the region. Castabala, the city's second name, likely refers to the surrounding region or a nearby settlement that later merged with the urban center.

During the Hellenistic period, Hierapolis-Castabala became an important religious site, with the temple of Artemis Perasia serving as the focal point of religious activities. Artemis Perasia was a syncretic deity, blending elements of the local Anatolian mother goddess with the Hellenistic version of Artemis, the Greek goddess of the hunt and wilderness. The city’s reputation as a religious center attracted pilgrims and contributed to its wealth and prominence in the region.

In the Roman period, Hierapolis-Castabala flourished further, benefiting from the stability and infrastructure provided by Roman rule. The Romans recognized the strategic importance of the city due to its location along important trade routes that connected the interior of Anatolia with the Mediterranean coast. This made the city a hub for commerce and trade, particularly in agricultural products, textiles, and local crafts.

Roman emperors and officials often supported cities like Hierapolis-Castabala through public building programs. As a result, the city developed monumental architecture, including theaters, baths, and roads. The city’s coinage from this period also reflects its prosperity, often featuring images of Artemis Perasia or symbols of the Roman Empire, such as eagles or imperial portraits. These coins were used not only within Cilicia but also in broader trade networks across the Roman Empire.

Hierapolis-Castabala maintained its significance into the Byzantine era, though like many cities in the region, it experienced periods of decline due to natural disasters, invasions, and shifts in trade routes. The region of Cilicia itself became a frontier zone during the Byzantine-Islamic conflicts, as Muslim forces from the newly established caliphates began to push into Byzantine territories during the 7th and 8th centuries.

Despite these challenges, the city remained inhabited and continued to serve as a religious center well into the late antiquity and early medieval periods. Its long history as a sacred city, centered on the worship of Artemis Perasia, remained an integral part of its identity, even as the population gradually converted to Christianity under Byzantine rule.

Today, the ruins of Hierapolis-Castabala offer a glimpse into the city’s rich history. Archaeological excavations have uncovered remnants of its ancient walls, a large theater, columns from public buildings, and the remains of the temple dedicated to Artemis Perasia. These ruins reflect the city’s importance as a religious, commercial, and political center in ancient Cilicia.

Hierapolis-Castabala was a prominent city in ancient Cilicia, known for its religious significance and strategic location. From its origins in the Hellenistic period to its flourishing under Roman rule, the city played a crucial role in the region’s history, serving as both a center of worship and a vital link in trade networks across the ancient world. Its legacy, preserved through its ruins and historical records, highlights the cultural and historical richness of ancient Cilicia.